Responding to the First Minister’s statement on his priorities for Scotland, a spokesperson for the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) said:
“We welcome the recognition that more time is needed to get DRS implementation right given the concerns which still remain, and we look forward to further detail being announced on Thursday. This provides some much-needed clarity and gives more time to ensure that all parts of the sector for can be ready for go live.
“It was also positive to hear the First Minister confirm that the alcohol advertising consultation will be taken back to the drawing board, as this too would have placed a disproportionate burden on Scotland’s pubs and brewers at a time when they are contending with a range of other issues threatening the very viability of their businesses.
“We look forward to working constructively with the First Minister and his ministers, and would urge him to support our members by helping to reduce the growing cost-of-doing business in Scotland, which risks stifling much-needed investment.”
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For more information, please contact: ptogneri@beerandpub.com