The Scottish Beer & Pub Association – the leading trade-body representing Scotland’s brewing and pub industry – has welcomed the conclusion of the Scottish Government’s study into the tied-pub market in Scotland, saying that it will safeguard jobs and investment in the country.
Commenting, Brigid Simmonds Chief Executive of the SBPA said:
“The SBPA very much welcomes the conclusion of the Scottish Government’s study and its findings.
“The evidence-based approach used by the study has shown clearly that the tied-model is working for Scotland’s publicans who choose to start a business this way, and as the report concludes, “the evidence collected did not suggest that one sector of the pub market in Scotland is being unfairly disadvantaged”.
“Any changes in the way pubs operate needs to reflect the reality of the industry in Scotland. It is very different to that elsewhere, with just 17 per cent of pubs operating under a beer tie, compared with 40 per cent in the UK as a whole.
“In addition, there is already a system of self-regulation which safeguards tenants and ensures consumers continue to enjoy a great choice of beer in their local. The industry has recently given this a specifically Scottish dimension, with a Scottish Code, and adjudication based in Scotland, and we welcome the Scottish Government’s call for more dialogue to ensure that relationships in the industry are as positive as they can be.
“There is no doubt that Scotland’s pubs need more support. However, that must come in the form of lower taxation, through cuts in beer duty and reform of business rates, to ensure that pubs don’t face a disproportionate burden, when compared to other small businesses.
“I’m delighted to see this study prove that there is no appetite nor need for costly legislation in Scotland, thus safeguarding jobs and investment.
“The SBPA remains committed to working alongside government to support the beer and pub industry in the country, which supports 60,000 jobs and contributes £1.78 billion to the economy, every year.”