Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) Responds to UK Budget ‘Very Little to Help’ Brewers and Pubs

The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has responded the UK Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, saying that it does ‘very little to help’ and changes to business rates in England means the Scottish Government must act.

Commenting, SBPA President Andrew Lawrence said:

“This budget does very little to help Scotland’s pubs or brewers. The increase in beer duty will hit consumers directly, while the rise in the NMW will mean an extra bill of £25m for pubs.

“The sector is already struggling under the strain of high taxes, cost increases, and the cost-of-living crisis impacting on consumer spending habits.

“The changes to business rates in England also mean that without some form of relief in the Scottish Government’s January budget, Scots pubs will continue to face a heavier rates burden that their English counterparts.

“This disparity will drive closures and stifle investment in communities across Scotland. We’re calling on the Scottish Government to use its Budget to set out a permanent fix for this imbalance and to deliver immediate rates relief before more pubs are forced to shut their doors.”

ENDS

For more information, please contact: ptogneri@beerandpub.com

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