# Stonegate Pub Chain Under Investigation for Landlord Treatment
The Pubs Code Adjudicator has launched an investigation into Stonegate Group over concerns about the "unfair" treatment of landlords operating its venues. The adjudicator has stated it has reasonable grounds to believe the company has breached industry regulations. Stonegate operates more than 3,000 pubs and bars across the UK, including the Slug & Lettuce and Be At One chains.
The investigation focuses on how the company treats the landlords—known as tied publicans—who run these establishments on its behalf. The inquiry suggests potential violations of the Pubs Code, which sets out standards for how pub companies must conduct their relationships with independent operators.
The Pubs Code Adjudicator serves as an independent regulator overseeing compliance with the industry code that governs large pub companies and their relationships with landlords. The investigation represents a formal regulatory scrutiny of one of Britain's largest pub operators and its business practices with the individuals who manage day-to-day operations of its venues.
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