Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Murdo Fraser is backing his party’s campaign to save Scotland’s pubs.
His call comes after Party leader Russell Findlay officially launched the campaign with a visit to a hospitality business in Prestwick earlier this week.
Mr Fraser says that pubs and hospitality businesses across Mid Scotland and Fife are being “hammered” by both the SNP and Labour Governments’ high taxes and failure to pass on full rates relief in recent years.
He warned it will be “last orders” for many pubs in Mid Scotland and Fife unless urgent support is provided and called on the SNP to drop their “catastrophic” rates revaluation which will lead to bills increasing by 300% for businesses.
Mr Fraser added that pubs and hospitality businesses are the lifeblood of communities in the region and says that vital jobs will be lost because of the SNP and Labour “pushing them to the brink of collapse.”
Commenting, he said: “I’m delighted to be backing our party’s campaign to save Scotland’s pubs.
Pubs and the wider hospitality sector are really struggling right now due to constant tax rises from both the SNP and Labour governments, as well as the Nationalists’ failure to pass on the rates relief available in the rest of the UK.
“If the SNP and Labour do not act now then it will be last order for many pubs and businesses in Mid Scotland and Fife.
“The SNP’s business rates revaluation will be catastrophic for many in the region. Ministers must pause the scheme immediately because the eye-watering increases in bills could sound the death knell for local businesses.”
Mr Fraser continued: “Pubs and hospitality businesses are the lifeblood of communities across Mid Scotland and Fife and it would be devastating for local jobs and the wider economy if they were forced to shut their doors.
“I will continue to stand up for pubs in Mid Scotland and Fife to ensure that they not only survive but thrive.”
