Pub goers group calls for more help for Scotland’s locals

Responding to the First Minister’s statement to the Scottish Parliament this afternoon confirming the return of table service only in pubs for 3 weeks from 27th December, director of the Campaign for Real Ale in Scotland Joe Crawford said:

“Table service only makes it extremely difficult for licensees to make ends meet, and particularly hits our smaller, traditional community locals that don’t serve food.

“Together with advice for people to ‘stay in’ from 27th December, our pubs and breweries are going to find it hard to turn a profit, especially as the Christmas trade that they rely on to get through the first few months of the year has evaporated as a result of government advice and a collapse in consumer confidence.

“It is vital that the Scottish Government and councils get support grants to businesses as quickly as possible to help protect and safeguard our locals. Whilst these grants will help businesses in the short term, with these new restrictions the beer and pubs sector will need the Scottish and UK Governments to urgently put together a comprehensive support package including furlough, rent support and extra help with business rates – especially if restrictions end up being extended beyond the initial 3-week period.”