Scottish pubs on a ‘knife edge’ as even more restrictions are announced

Responding to the announcement that 11 council areas will move into Tier 4 restrictions from Friday, CAMRA Scotland’s Director Joe Crawford said:

“Pubs in all tiers across the country have been feeling the devastating effects of restrictions on their businesses. Being moved up to Tier 4 will be a devastating blow for pubs in these 11 council areas.

“Many publicans are understandably worried about how and when these restrictions will end and whether they will be able to survive the tough weeks and months ahead.

“We urgently need a long-term, sector- specific support package to help our locals – and the breweries that serve them – survive the winter.

“Lockdowns and restrictions across all tiers has decimated trade and knocked long-term consumer confidence in pubs as a safe, Covid-secure place to meet. Entering the highest tier is putting more local pubs in an untenable position to make it through this crisis. Simply put, without greater financial support, we risk seeing hundreds of Scottish pubs and breweries close their doors for good.”