Covid rules are changing in Scotland, but not in hospitality, where restrictions will remain.
James Calder, chief executive of SIBA
Nicola Sturgeon announced that restrictions on outfoor events will be lifted from Monday. But she said other rules would be reviewed “in the coming weeks”.
James Calder, chief executive of SIBA (the Society of Independent Brewers), said: “It is disappointing the first minister has kept the restrictive table-service only and one-metre distancing measures in place for Scottish hospitality businesses — measures which make profitability impossible for thousands of community pubs and the small independent breweries who supply them.
“With current measures set to remain in place until at least the 24th January, it is now vital the government provides support for struggling small breweries, and re-introduces the Brewers Support Fund, which provided a lifeline to businesses last year.”
Leon Thompson, executive director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: “The first minister talked about a gradual easing of restrictions, but our sector has been closed or restricted for almost two years now.
“Any positivity that could be taken from possible changes on the near horizon was scuppered with further talk of vaccine passports and possible wider application. The phrase ‘living with covid’ sounds more and more like ‘living with significant ongoing restrictions’.”
Hospitality ‘facing a cliff edge’
Labour has called for an extension to the VAT discount for hospitality, which is due to revert to 20% from 12.5% at the end of March.
Seema Malhotra, the shadow minister for business and consumers, said: “With hospitality businesses facing a cliff edge in March, it is vital the government heeds Labour’s call and looks at extending the VAT discount for hospitality.”
This was backed up by Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, who said: “Extending the lower rate of VAT will also help tackle the cost of living crisis, keeping prices low for consumers rather than further increasing the tax they pay in April.
“It means an everyday treat, visit, or trip remains affordable, boosts demand, and keeps the recovery on track.”
