MPs have voted in favour for an amendment on the 400 year old British concept called “tied pubs”, where tenants have to buy beer from their parent pub company.

The amendment to the small business enterprise and employment bill was put forward by Lib Dem Greg Mulholland which passed by 284 votes to 259. The change will allow landlords an independent rent review and to buy their beer on the open market.

Campaigners said the "historic" vote would help "secure the future of the Great British pub".

With around 30 pubs closing every week in the UK, supporters of the reform say the moves will ease financial pressures on landlords.