WELSH PUBS TO RECEIVE FOUR TIMES AS MUCH FINANCIAL SUPPORT AS PUBS IN SCOTLAND FOR XMAS PERIOD
The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has today (Thursday) called on the Scottish Government to save thousands of pubs and other hospitality businesses by ‘at least’ matching the level of economic support the Welsh Government has committed to their pubs.
Currently, the economic support afforded to the average Scottish pub stretches to just £2,700 for the six-week Christmas period, whilst the average pub in Wales will receive £11,300. Some pubs in Wales will be eligible for upwards of £17,000 in grant support, whilst Scottish pubs will struggle to survive this Christmas.
It is also understood that there will be no cap on multiple operators in Wales, something which the Scottish Government has included on previous grants. This resulted in many SMEs in the hospitality sector receiving reduced levels of support, putting more jobs at risk.
Commenting, CEO of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, Emma McClarkin, said:
“As a sector, hospitality businesses are on their knees and are desperately crying out for meaningful economic support. Whilst any grant is of course welcome, the current level of funding does not come close to covering fixed costs, even when closed. In order to support jobs, the Scottish Government needs to at least match the support offered to pub in Wales.
“Every day that passes without further economic support means that more pubs will stay closed for good and more jobs will be lost as a result. Pubs in Wales have been given a lifeline which we hope will now see most of their pubs reach the other side of the pandemic. Meanwhile, pubs in Scotland face devastation.
“The Scottish Government cannot delay any further and must now announce more support for the hospitality sector, which provides over 100,000 jobs in Scotland. They must also support the jobs of those workers that are employed by multiple operators. The current restriction on grant support means that hundreds of jobs are being put at additional risk, for no reason. Some pubs, if owned by multiple operators will receive absolutely nothing.
“If the Welsh Government can support hospitality jobs and businesses with this level of support, the Scottish Government must be able to provide at least equitable support. Without it, thousands of pubs likely stay closed for good.”
Ends
Notes:
In Wales, the average pub will receive £11,300 based on the support outlined below and BBPA (British Beer & Pub Association) estimates on numbers of pubs.
· The average pub with an RV (Rateable Value) of £0-£12k with 4 employees will receive £9,000 to cover a 6-week period
· The average pub with an RV (Rateable Value) between £12k-£51k with 6 employees will receive £14,000
· The average pub with an RV (Rateable Value) between £51k-£150k with 8 employees will receive £17,000
· No upper limit for eligible business operating multiple premises.
In Scotland, for the same 6-week period the average pub will currently receive £2,700 based on the support outlined below and BBPA (British Beer & Pub Association) estimates on number of pubs and eligibility for each grant.
· A pub in Levels 1, 2 & 3 would be eligible for £2,100 if the business premises have a rateable value of up to and including £51,000.
· A pub in Levels 1, 2 & 3 would be eligible for £3,150 if the business premises have a rateable value of £51,001 or above.
· An upper limit of £15,750 in total in any six-week period will apply to any eligible business operating multiple premises.
· https://findbusinesssupport.
Press release from the Scottish Beer and Pub Association
Contact: ptogneri@beerandpub.