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 more13 February 2018
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13 February 2018
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13 February 2018
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13 February 2018
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13 February 2018
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09 February 2018
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has today responded to the Government’s consultation on the implementation of T level programmes, as well as the Institute for Apprenticeships’ consultation on occupational maps. The BBPA has submitted two responses to the consultation on occupational maps. The first looks at the Catering and Hospitality occupational map and in agreement with People 1st, the BBPA has argued for the introduction of licensed retail team members and supervisors. The second examines the level 4 apprenticeship of ‘brewer’, arguing for more scope for career progression. Occupational maps, which aim to simplify the current apprenticeship system by categorising occupations with similar knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) into 15 maps, will play an important role in developing future apprenticeships systems as well as T level qualifications. The BBPA has also submitted its response to the implementation of T levels consultation. The BBPA has demonstrated its support for the T level programme, which will serve as an excellent platform to recruit young people to the beer and pub sector. In line with People 1st, the BBPA has highlighted how best T levels can be developed to ensure they offer opportunity for career progression, and align with the new occupational maps. The BBPA will continue to monitor the development of T levels and occupational maps, to ensure they best meet the targets of the Sainsbury Report and Post-16 Skills Plan. BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds comments: “It is vitally important for pubs that we encourage UK nationals to work in our sector and the introduction of T Levels and occupational maps offer the opportunity to highlight a serious career structure in brewing and pubs. We very much welcome the work experience which is a key element of the new T level qualifications. As a people facing business, work experience offers a greater understanding of how the industry works and the opportunities for career progression.” BREWING OCCUPATIONAL MAPS Final HOSP AND CATERING OCCUPATIONAL MAPS Final IMPLEMENTATION OF T LEVEL PROGRAMMES Final