SBPA says Scottish budget will be ‘met with disappointment’ from hospitality industry

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association has said that the Scottish Government’s latest budget announcement will be “met with disappointment” from hospitality operators.

According to the SPBA, crucial to the disappointment will be the decision not to replicate the business rates relief.

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association said:  “The lack of an announcement on business rates relief for Scotland’s pubs is hugely disappointing and will be met with dismay by many operators.

“Both the UK Government and Welsh Government have ensured that eligible businesses there will receive a 75% discount on rates next year, after a 50% discount for the entirety of this year. In comparison, Scottish businesses have been back to full rates since the summer. This puts Scotland’s pubs at a significant disadvantage in their recovery given the challenges they are facing.”

She added: “We still desperately need additional action from both the Scottish Government and Westminster to save our much-loved pubs. Staff shortages, pressures throughout the supply chain, rising business costs, and unfathomable energy prices with inadequate support, are all adding together to create an extremely hostile environment for businesses.

“When coupled with increased regulations, including an unevidenced and unwanted Tied Pubs code, and impacts from Deposit Return, there is still a real uphill struggle for many to survive. Without our pubs and brewers our communities will be poorer not only economically but socially.”