Dumfriesshire MSP Craig Hoy has called for further action from both the Scottish and UK governments to support pubs and hospitality businesses in Dumfriesshire, following a meeting with representatives of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association and the British Beer and Pub Association.
Mr Hoy discussed the pressures facing pubs and the wider hospitality sector, including business rates, VAT, rising operating costs and the particular challenges facing rural establishments.
Industry data shared at the meeting underlined the importance of the sector to the local area. There are 121 pubs across Dumfriesshire, supporting 866 direct jobs, including 463 young person’s jobs. The wider economic impact supports an estimated 1,006 jobs and contributes around £30 million to the local economy.
Following the meeting, Craig Hoy said:
“Pubs are at the heart of communities across Dumfriesshire. They are important employers, particularly for young people, and in many rural communities the local pub provides a vital social hub.
“But pubs and hospitality businesses continue to face significant pressure from high operating costs and taxation. I strongly believe the Scottish Government should provide more meaningful business rates support for hospitality businesses, particularly for independent and rural pubs which are working hard just to keep their doors open.
“I’m also urging the UK Government to look seriously at reducing VAT for the hospitality sector. Lower VAT would give pubs, restaurants and other hospitality businesses more room to invest, protect jobs and remain competitive.
“I cautiously welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment in this week’s Programme for Government to establish a new ‘Last Provider Fund’, intended to support the final remaining shops and pubs in remote rural communities.
“The principle of protecting these rural businesses is one I very much support, but the detail will be crucial. We need to know which pubs will qualify, how much support will be available and how quickly businesses will be able to access it before we can judge what practical value the policy will have.
“For communities across Dumfriesshire, losing the last pub or shop is about much more than losing a business. It can mean losing an important meeting place, local employer and community asset. Governments at both Holyrood and Westminster need to recognise that and help ensure that viable rural pubs can survive and prosper.”
Craig Hoy added that he would continue to work with the beer and pub sector to press for measures which support hospitality businesses and protect jobs across Dumfriesshire.
