Covid-19 / 15 March 2021
SBPA reveals devastation to pubs and brewers one year on from first COVID-19 lockdown, reiterates Government must ensure pubs can operate without restrictions as soon as possible One year on from the First Minister ordering the first COVID-19 lockdown, which forced pubs to close, the Scottish Beer & Pub Association has revealed the devastation the nations’ brewers and pubs have faced. The trade association has revealed that 200 pubs are estimated to have been lost forever, 210 million pints in beer sales lost due to a full year of either forced closure, or trading under severe restrictions, and £820 million in trade value wiped out from the sector in beer sales alone. Since the first lockdown in March 2020, pubs and other hospitality businesses have been amongst the hardest hit. They have also faced severe restrictions to their trade during other periods of being “open”, including level restrictions that ultimately forced many to stay shut or open but under conditions that made their trade unviable due to the closing times and other rules. Looking ahead to the First Minister’s expected announcement tomorrow, the SBPA has urged the Scottish Government to give the sector hope by aligning closely to the unlocking plans in England, which indicate that pubs will reopen outdoors from April 12th, followed by indoors from May 17th and with all restrictions lifted by June 21st. Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, said: “Our sector has been devastated by COVID-19 and the lockdowns. It has been a year to forget for the Scotland’s pubs and bars. “It is estimated that 200 pubs have been lost forever. 210 million pints in beer sales have also been missed, wiping out £820 million in trade value from the sector. “Sadly, we still haven’t seen the full extent of the damage yet and won't do for some time until things really do go back to normal. And by normal, I mean a return to what life was like pre-covid. “Whilst we continue to assess the full damage to our sector, I urge the First Minister to give our businesses the hope that they desperately need by providing a viable route out of lockdown tomorrow. The previously levels were entirely unviable for the majority of hospitality businesses, and they are desperately hoping for a more straight-forward approach to unlocking this time. “We also hope the Scottish Government will look at providing more support for our wet-led community pubs who, although grateful for all the support they received, will not benefit from the VAT cut to food in the same way restaurants will. Local wet-led pubs have been amongst the worst affected by the virus so it's important the Government goes that little bit further for them. “It is becoming all the clearer that the Government must ensure all our pubs are fully re-opened as early as safely possible. This is when their recovery will really start and until then we stand to lose more pubs and community assets.”
Read more06 October 2020
'Further restrictions must be avoided or at very least accompanied by additional economic support – thousands of jobs at risk’ Responding to speculation of further harsh restrictive measures being announced by the Scottish Government tomorrow (Wednesday), the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) have said that thousands of jobs will be put at risk if more restrictions are implemented without consultation, notice and additional economic support for the sector. Commenting, CEO of the SBPA, Emma McClarkin said: “The prospect of further restrictions on pubs is filling our sector with complete dread. Across Scotland, pub operators will be unable to sleep tonight for fear of what will happen to their business and their staff. This must be avoided. “Pubs and the wider hospitality sector in Scotland are already suffering from the additional restrictive measures currently in place. The ban on background music and noise from televisions has already seen trade fall of a cliff for many premises, and the 10pm curfew has had a disproportionate impact in Scotland due to the normal closing time being midnight or 1am. This means that every week Scottish pubs are losing as many as 21 hours more trade than pubs elsewhere in the UK. “If the Scottish Government is to implement further harsh restrictive measures to our sector, it must include a dedicated package of support alongside it. Without it the Scottish Government will leave our pubs and thousands of jobs doomed to failure. “We are unaware of any data which shows that the hospitality sector is a major cause of transmission. Pubs across the country have risen to the challenges posed by COVID-19, putting in place rigorous cleaning regimes and countless protective measures making pubs a safe and regulated place to socialise. “Scotland’s pubs are already on the brink. Further restrictive measures, whether complete closure or further restrictions of hours, without economic support, would mean hundreds of businesses closing for good with thousands of jobs lost and livelihoods ruined.”
27 August 2020
The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has today said the ban on background music is having a devastating impact on the country’s pubs, with increased likelihood of closures and job losses as a direct result of the policy. It is urging the Scottish Government to reverse its ban on music and sound from TV in pubs, to help boost their businesses as they try to recover post-lockdown. The Scottish Government updated its guidance covering the sector on the 14th August to ban hospitality premises from playing music, including background music and sound from a TV. The policy has had a severe impact on Scottish pubs, with some seeing an immediate drop in trade of over 20% since the ban came in – on top of the fall in trade they are already facing as they recover post-lockdown. SBPA CEO Emma McClarkin said: “The ban on music and sound from TV in pubs has seen trade plummet across Scotland, to the point where it is simply not viable to stay open. Takings are down as much as 20% since the ban came in. “Not only is it hammering the recovery of our sector, but there is evidence to suggest the policy is having the opposite of its desired effect. A lack of commentary at football matches makes it harder to control customers watching the game. Customers seeking privacy in their conversations are more likely to lean in and whisper. Rather than go to their local, people are gathering at home where safety measures are not in place. “There is an easy middle ground to be had here, where responsible pubs can be allowed to create an atmosphere and ambience that makes them what they are, whilst controlling noise to a level which doesn’t require customers to shout. “Music adds to the ambience and atmosphere of the pub. Without music our venues are losing more of their soul.” Louise MacLean from Signature Pubs based in Edinburgh said: “The music ban is having a direct impact on our business and in some venues trade is moving in the wrong direction. We strictly adhere to all social distancing and the restrictions to trade which has affected the atmosphere in bars prior to the music ban. Customers don’t want to go to venues that are silent and awkward so inevitably our takings are down. “We understand the concern about noise but we would happily work with Scottish Government officials and set decibel levels to create a welcoming atmosphere within acceptable limits. Otherwise the future for bars in Scotland looks bleak as autumn approaches and inside spaces become more important. “Hospitality denotes warmth, ambiance and welcome not cold, clinical and sterile. Let the (soft) music play! We can do this safely.”
18 June 2020
Following the First Minister’s announcement this afternoon that the decision on re-opening outdoor areas of pubs, bars and other licensed venues will be reviewed on 2 July, 2020, Emma McClarkin CEO of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) said:“Pubs and bars across Scotland will be somewhat disappointed by this announcement, with many expecting to be given a definitive date today for re-opening their outdoor space to allow them to start preparing to open again. That’s sadly not the case, with these businesses now having to wait a further two weeks before any clarity on when they can welcome back their customers into beer gardens and other outdoor areas. “The First Minister committed the Government to working with our industry over the next two weeks and we will enthusiastically engage in that to get our pubs and bars re-open as soon as possible. With our industry now going three months without any customers and fighting for survival, that opportunity cannot come soon enough. “While the re-opening of outdoor space would provide some relief to parts of our sector, the vast majority of pubs will be looking towards the 15th July for the full re-opening. Even then, there remains issues for our sector that need to be addressed to properly unlock the economic boost our pubs can contribute to the national economy. “Continuing to operate at a two metre social distance will make opening financially unviable for many and could results in over 23,600 job losses in our sector alone. A survey of our members shows that moving to the World Health Organisation backed one metre distance that many other countries have adopted would allow the majority of premises to safely open their doors again.”
16 June 2020
A survey conducted by the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) in conjunction with other members of the licensed trade has revealed that Scotland’s pubs could be decimated, if social distancing guidelines are not re-examined in time for the provisional re-opening of premises on 15 July. The survey, which covered over 300 pubs across Scotland (around 7% of the total), found that it would not be financially viable for almost nine out of ten landlords to reopen their doors if the two-metre distancing guidelines were still in place – potentially leading to the direct loss of over 23,600 jobs within the trade. With many of Scotland’s key independent restaurant and pub businesses coming together to call for the Scottish Government to fall in-line with the World Health Organisation’s guidance, including a one-metre rule for social distancing, it’s hoped that their approach will help kick-start the industry and save jobs in the hospitality sector. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, said: “The results make for stark reading. Not only will 87 per cent of those surveyed be unable to open, those that can trade at the two-metre mark will potentially have to let 52 per cent of staff go. This would lead to over 23,600 jobs losses in our sector alone. “Keeping a two-metre rule in place simply does not make financial sense and the fall out will see the loss of thousands of jobs affecting both the Scottish economy and local communities in the process. “We have seen within the survey that whilst implementing a controlled environment to protect both customers and staff and dropping social distancing measures to one metre, we will see 82 per cent of licensed businesses being able to open their doors to the public and provide a much needed boost to the industry. “What’s clear is that the majority of licensed premises will simply not be able to operate under the proposed two-metre distancing, leading to mass unemployment within the sector. We are calling upon the Scottish Government to both reassess the current measures in place if they wish to kick-start the industry and work with us to safeguard over 23,600 jobs.” Lisa Wishart, from Lisini's, said: “Here at Lisini’s, it is simply not viable for us to reopen on 15 July due to the current social distancing rules. However, if we followed the World Health Organisation’s directive, not only could we provide a safe environment for our patrons, we would be able to safeguard most of our employees livelihood’s as we return to a new normal post Coronavirus.” The SBPA and wider group which includes Star Pubs and Bars, Belhaven, Hawthorn Leisure, Admiral Taverns, Punch Taverns, Caledonian Heritable Ltd, DRG, Buzzworks, Montpeliers, Manorview, Signature Pubs, Lisini and Caledonia Inns are keen to point out that as responsible license holders, not only could venues be classed as ‘controlled environments’ that would allow them to track and trace customers through a number of different methods - over 85 per cent of those surveyed planned to use PPE for staff when able to reopen. Case Studies: Mo Clark from Kained Holdings, who operate several bars including Lebowskis in Edinburgh and Glasgow said: “The current guidelines of 2m distancing would not allow for the majority of bars to operate profitably. Reducing some sites to 40 per cent trading capacity which simply does not work under most business models. “The focus for bars and restaurants across the sector which wish to remain viable, will be to reduce their cost base which will undoubtedly lead to significant redundancies. Those who are unable to find a path through this will have to shut their doors completely, further increasing the inevitable redundancies. “Particularly, where vertical drinking has made a business viable, the continuation of the 2m distancing means that many businesses couldn't even open their doors, let alone be profitable.” Gavin Stevenson from Gellions in Inverness said: "The Gellions is a Scottish live music pub trading since 1841 in Inverness. We book around 650, mostly Scottish, live music gigs a year and rely on being close to capacity most nights to remain financially viable. With two-metre social distancing our nearly 200 capacity venue reduces to just 11 people. “In a normal year our profit margin is less than 5 per cent of turnover and obviously there is no way for us to get even close to financial break-even with such huge reductions in trade. We'd lose more money opening under the proposed restrictions than we would staying closed.” Kevin McGee from Athletic Arms ‘Diggers’, in Dalry, Edinburgh said: “I’m bored silly, I’m a people person and can’t wait to open the doors. If it’s 2-meters it’ll most likely be me working with one other on reduced trading hours. In contrast, a 1-meter difference and we can get more staff off furlough, trade longer, start to pay off some bills and support the local community again.” Stuart McPhee from Siberia Bar & Hotel in Aberdeen said: “While we have a vast floor space and a versatile outside area within Siberia, the ability to service this at two-metre social distances takes what would normally be three people in a kitchen down to one on a given shift, and four people behind the bar when busy halved to two. “Regardless of how many people you can fit outside or inside customer wise, there is a direct impact on what kind of service our staffing levels can achieve. Where we will try and maintain our staff by diversifying our service style and rotating in teams post Covid, it is clear that tough operational choices lay ahead. “We have solutions and we have things we can implement such as entry temperature checks, PPE & disinfectant fogging now that can make our environments covid secure and regulated, that could mean we as an industry could be permitted to lower the distance to survive and prevent further job losses across the sector.” David Stein from Cafebar 1807 in Linlithgow said: “While I believe we need to listen to the experts, it will be completely unviable for us to open in any capacity until we have a 1m rule.” Nic Wood from Signature Pubs added: “We cannot operate all of our businesses with 2m social distancing restrictions, and closures in the sector will sadly continue with bars and restaurants mothballed beyond the end of furlough. We are not ignoring the transmission rate or the health issues, merely stating that 2m makes some businesses unviable.”
10 June 2020
Commenting on the announcement from the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, Fergus Ewing that hospitality businesses could possibly reopen for indoor use on July 15 in Scotland, Emma McClarkin CEO of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association said: “The setting of a date for reopening is some positive news for the country’s pubs and brewers, and something we have been pushing the Scottish Government on for several weeks. This gives some much-needed clarity for the sector and will also give industry the time necessary to put in place what is needed to reopen safely on the 15th of July. “However, there is still a number of challenges for pubs that can’t be forgotten. Under the current two-metre social distancing rules, we believe up to two-thirds of Scotland’s pubs will need to remain closed. It is imperative for the hospitality sector that the Scottish Government explores the World Health Organisation’s suggested one-metre rule for social distancing. ‘Other countries, like New Zealand have allowed their pubs to safely re-open up at one-metre distance. If this was followed in Scotland, we could save thousands of jobs which otherwise will be lost through redundancies.”
21 May 2020
Commenting on the publication of the Scottish Government’s Scotland’s route map through and out of the crisis, Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association said: “We are pleased by today’s publication and to see pubs included as part of a possible, limited reopening utilising outdoor spaces in Phase 2. This would be great news for those pubs which are in a position to re-open at this point, however no two pubs are the same and the practical challenges may mean that many premises will remain closed during this period. “While the publication of the Scottish framework is welcome, it is clear that further detail will be needed for our sector to be able to look forward with confidence. We believe that pubs should only open when it is safe to do so, but the lack of any dates being attached to phases 2 and 3 gives us some concern. “Pubs and the wider hospitality sector need at least three full weeks’ notice to be ready for reopening, as retraining of staff, replenishment of stock and other fundamental factors cannot happen overnight especially with new restrictions and measures needing to be implemented. “The current social-distancing requirements of 2 metres, also present significant challenges for pubs. We would urge both the Scottish and UK governments to strongly investigate moving to 1 metre distancing, as endorsed by the World Health Organisation. “We are committed to working closely with government to get our nation’s pubs back open as quickly as safe and possible to do so, but to do that we need to work collaboratively on the reopening plans and ensure adequate notice to get ready. “Finally, if pubs are to remain closed for a significant period of time, additional financial support will be needed. Without it, the social hubs and heart of communities in many towns, villages and cities across Scotland will be lost forever.”