New research compiled by Beacon, a supplier of beer to licensed businesses has showed that licensed premises suffered an average fall of 60 per cent in alcohol sales since the new Scottish drink drive laws came into force on December 5. The widely publicised limits, which only apply in Scotland, mean that motorists who consume a single alcoholic drink are at risk of losing their license and 6 months in prison.
Liz Smith MSP has expressed her concern for the future of rural pubs across Scotland.
Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said:
“More than one-third of traditional pubs have already closed in some parts of Scotland. Pubs are part of the fabric of our communities especially in rural villages and towns where pubs are often at the heart of the social life of the community. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
“Britain’s beer and pub trade is under threat – beer sales in pubs are at their lowest since the Great Depression, closures are accelerating and jobs are being lost.
“It is clear that the drink driving law changes have had a major impact on country pubs with many clubs such as golf clubs and bowling clubs also being adversely affected.
“Many rural villages have lost their local post office, school, library, police counter and the loss of rural pubs will leave many rural communities as ghost towns.
“As with so many local services if we do not use them we lose them and so it is important we do what we can to ensure these important cornerstones of rural communities can remain open in the future.”