Stonegate pub and bar chain investigated over ‘unfair’ treatment of landlords

The Stonegate Group, which owns popular pub chains like Slug & Lettuce and Be At One, is under scrutiny for allegedly mistreating landlords running its over 3,000 venues. The pubs code adjudicator has found reasonable grounds to suspect it has violated industry regulations, potentially leading to hefty fines of up to 1% of its revenue, amounting to over £16 million. This investigation highlights broader concerns about corporate responsibility and the balance of power between pub owners and landlords, raising questions about fair business practices in the industry.