ROB Clayton, who has been licensee of the Punch Taverns-owned Shipley Pride pub for the past two years, said a rent only deal would have made a “huge difference” to his situation.

Mr Clayton is leaving the pub in January as despite working at least six days a week, he said he and his family struggle to survive on his earnings.

“The new legislation would be fantastic for licensees who work hard and really care, as it would allow them to be paid properly for what they do,” he said.

“It’s down to basic economics really. Some products we have to buy are almost double they are elsewhere, and free houses have a far greater choice.”

A 2013 independent survey commissioned by The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) indicated that 57 per cent of publicans tied to large pub companies earned less than £10,000 a year due to excessive rents and high tied beer prices.

David Boothroyd, chairman of Bradford CAMRA, said: “The current situation is an injustice, and we are losing lots of traditional pubs as a result.”