News
Further Reading
-
Read more
LET US SHOW WE ARE SAFE AND KICKSTART SCOTLAND’S RECOVERY
[embed]https://ibb.co/HX9v5sH[/embed] On the day of hospitality reopening in Scotland, the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) are requesting that changes are made to the levels route map. Changes can be justified by positive progress continuing to be made and the sector demonstrating its ability to trade safely and responsibly. The industry is asking for the extension of opening hours back to normal licensing times, which at the moment is not scheduled to be reintroduced until Level 0. The SBPA says that the current arrangement means that many pubs won’t be viable given the restricted trading hours- risking business failures just as the recovery period should be starting. Making the request, SBPA President Edith Monfries said: “It is fantastic to see Scotland’s pubs and bars reopening again today. Teams coming back and reconnecting with customers and communities is an important first step, and everyone is excited to get going again. “For many premises the ongoing restrictions mean they still cannot open and even for those who are opening their doors again today, the restrictions make a return to profitability difficult and many will operate at a deficit until further progress through the levels. “We completely understand and appreciate the cautious approach being adopted by Government in seeking to limit the spread of the virus, and so do the businesses we represent. They have invested, taken on debt and worked tirelessly to ensure their businesses are safe places for customers and staff to return to and take seriously their responsibilities. “On top of today’s reopening, the current decline in prevalence of the virus coupled with the vaccination roll-out give reasons to be optimistic. That is why we are requesting that if we continue to see positive progress and if there are no major hospitality related incidents, that the Government consider allowing a return to licensing hours. “Unfortunately, the maintenance of the curfew severely limits profitable hours and for many of Scotland licensed premises, it could be the difference between survival and bankruptcy. “Removing the curfew restrictions in time for 17 May would provide an enormous boost to the whole licensed trade and deliver renewed confidence in the sector, which would be hugely welcomed by everyone in the trade. Let us show we are safe, and then let us trade viably so we can kickstart Scotland’s recovery together.” [embed]https://twitter.com/i/status/1386692106098458625[/embed]
-
Read more
Scottish Beer & Pub Association Launches Manifesto for Sector Recovery
The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA), the leading trade association for pubs and breweries in Scotland, has today launched its manifesto in which it sets out a clear list of priorities for politicians in spearheading the recovery and future of the sector. As part of the manifesto, it is also seeking to engage prospective MSPs to commit to a four-point pledge of support. Central to the manifesto is a commitment from Parliament that 2021 will be a year of supported recovery for a sector that employs 67,000 people in Scotland and in a pre-covid year would be a national economic powerhouse and bedrock for local communities. The Scottish Beer and Pub Association is calling for a Scottish pubs sector strategy and recovery plan, a dedicated Covid recovery fund and a Scottish Pubs Minister to lead the recovery. In addition, it is asking for eight regulatory commitments, including that coronavirus restrictions will be based on regular science-based reviews, assurances the restrictions will be lifted in full in time and a moratorium in the new Parliament on further legislation that will place extra cost burdens on the sector. Support for a new industry led apprenticeship scheme to drive job creation and skills, a funded green economy plan for beer and pubs and policy changes to stimulate responsible drinking including in incentivising lower strength drinks, are also in the manifesto. Prospective MSPs are being asked to sign a pledge to: Champion Scotland’s pubs, bars & breweries Help the sector’s Covid-19 recovery Recognise that pubs are the largest community outreach network Put pubs and bars at the heart of community and town centre regeneration planning Launching the manifesto President of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, Edith Monfries said: “There are over 4000 pubs in Scotland and 130 breweries contributing £1.66bn to the economy and paying £785m in wages. Fast tracking the recovery of our sector will be critical to Scotland’s economic and social recovery. In our manifesto today we set out our clearly defined route-map for success which we hope the next government will listen to and work with us to make happen. “We need a long-term plan that makes Scottish pubs and breweries sustainable for the future so that Scotland’s vibrant hospitality and tourism sector can thrive once again.“Pubs are the bedrock of every community and constituency in Scotland, central to social recovery and part of the solution to heal isolated communities so we appeal to prospective MSPs to join us in signing up to our pledge to support Scotland’s pubs and breweries.”
-
Read more
Level 3 Restrictions to Cause 79% Drop in Turnover
The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has called for a fairer deal for the country's pubs, bars and other licensed venues ahead of expected reopening later this month, which they say is currently ‘grossly unfair’. Under current plans, pubs and bars will be severely limited in their ability to trade viably once allowed to reopen but will receive no extra support in comparison to other sectors which will be able to trade close to normal as soon as they open their doors. A survey carried out by the trade body showed that the Level 3 restrictions will see estimated turnover fall by 79%, making the majority of Scotland’s licensed venues entirely unviable. Pubs, bars and other late-night venues will receive the same amount as a café or fast-food in grant support, despite the restrictions having a much more damaging impact on the licensed trade. Commenting, SBPA CEO Emma McClarkin said: “The economic support provided by both governments has been instrumental in preventing business failures, but the current arrangement is grossly unfair to our sector. A café or fast-food outlet will be able to trade almost as normal from the 26th of April, whereas our sector will see turnover drop by 79%, but both will receive the same level of grant support. “Due to the nature of our business, a huge percentage of trade takes place in the evening but we’ve still no date for when we will be able to return to normal licensing hours. This means that many hospitality businesses are completely in the dark as to when they will return to profitability, with no further economic support from the Scottish Government expected. Even at Level 2, the restrictions on hours will see pubs down 20% on turnover. “Once again Scotland’s pubs and bars will be at a competitive disadvantage to those in England, where all limitations on trading times will be removed later this month. The Scottish Government must look again at the curfew and allow us to return to regular licensing hours as soon as possible, or provide those businesses impacted with adequate financial support to get them through. “The current arrangement is simply unfair to the licensed trade and the thousands of employees who work in the sector.”