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 December 2017
Simon Emeny, Chief Executive of Fuller Smith & Turner plc, has become BBPA Chairman today, at the Association’s annual general meeting at Brewers’ Hall in London. He succeeds David Forde, Managing Director of HEINEKEN UK, who completes two successful years in office. Simon has been with Fuller’s, based at the company’s historic Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, for 21 years, taking up his current role as Chief Executive in July 2013. He was previously Group Managing Director and has held several senior operational roles across the business. He already plays an active role in the work of the BBPA, serving on the BBPA Board since December 2015. Simon Emeny comments: “I am delighted to be taking on this role. Industry-wide issues have never been more important in our sector as we face the pressures of high taxation and the upcoming challenges of Brexit. Our work on all these issues supports a hugely positive agenda – as an industry, we are investing in and opening new pubs, alongside major investment in the brewing industry. Overall, we support around 900,000 UK jobs. There are so many issues where the BBPA plays a vital role, and I look forward to working with Brigid and the team.” BBPA outgoing Chairman David Forde comments: “Many congratulations to Simon. I know he will find the role a very rewarding challenge, and will help to steer the industry through uncertain times. As well as tackling the vital agenda of high taxation, we must ensure the industry has the investment and skills it needs to grow and thrive, and the BBPA’s membership will enthusiastically support Simon as our new Chairman.” BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds comments: “I congratulate Simon and look forward to working closely with him. He has already made a big contribution to the work of the BBPA, and we all look forward to supporting him in this new role. “I want also to thank David Forde, who has been an outstanding Chairman and has found so much time for the BBPA within his much wider responsibilities. I know he will continue to support the association’s agenda.” In further new appointments, William Lees-Jones, Managing Director of JW Lees & Co and Julian Momen, Chief Executive of Carlsberg UK Ltd have been appointed as BBPA Board members.
07 December 2017
The BBPA has today distributed a collection of guidance and advice, aimed at pubs over the festive season. The guidance pack features advice on application dates for Christmas and New Year TENs to extend hours, managing safety in premises, preventing drink driving, stock control tips and managing winter health and safety concerns. While of course most licensees will be fully prepared for the festive period, the guidance pack is intended to help pubs with some of the various challenges that may arise, in order to keep pubs safe and enjoyable for all. BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simonds comments: “The BBPA’s festive season briefing will help pubs across the UK ensure they are able to make the most out of a crucial time of year for the trade. The vast majority of licensees will already be on top of many of these issues, but hopefully this briefing will be useful in addressing the challenges the festive period presents and help maximise the opportunities for the pub sector”. BBPA Festive Season Briefing
05 December 2017
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05 December 2017
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05 December 2017
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05 December 2017
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