The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has welcomed the Programme for Government announced by first minister John Swinney today. But it has warned that action on business rates will be needed in the next Scottish Budget.
The Scottish government announced an independent review of business rates, to report by the end of 2026, and to consider any recommendations in advance of the 2029 revaluation. But the SBPA have said that could be too late for some pubs.
“It’s positive that the first minister has listened to our calls for reform of the rates system for licensed hospitality,” said SBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin.
“We will work proactively with the Scottish government and the independent review to ensure a fairer deal for the sector, but this could be too late for some pubs.
“The Scottish government will need to provide further support in the next and subsequent Budgets to bridge the gap until reforms can be implemented.
“The changes being brought forward in England go some way in addressing the current imbalance, but with these moving much faster, Scottish pubs and bars could be put at a disadvantage, meaning less investment in our towns and cities, less tax revenue, and fewer jobs.”
