Murdo Fraser MSP has highlighted the difficulties facing local pubs as he asks residents to back the Scottish Conservatives’ campaign to Save Scotland’s Pubs.
The politician recently enjoyed pouring a pint in the Airlie Street Bar in Alyth, where mine host Dave Barclay kept his eye on the proceedings.
Hospitality and the pub trade in Scotland were badly hit during the Covid pandemic, with the measures used forcing local pubs and restaurants to close and therefore go months without an income.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “I am encouraging local residents in Mid Scotland and Fife to get behind our Party’s Save Scotland’s Pubs campaign. Pubs are the lifeblood of a community and it is extremely concerning that they are shutting at a higher rate in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK. Instead of supporting our pubs following Covid, the SNP Government chose to hammer them.
“We have seen the SNP Government refuse to pass on the rates relief for businesses that was provided by the previous Conservative UK Government, despite being given the money to do so, which is shocking.
“I visited the Airlie Street Bar in Alyth, which is a popular local pub and plays an important role for the local community. We don’t want to see pubs like the Airlie Street Bar having to contemplate possibly closing, so that is why business help is so essential. I know from contact with other local pubs just how difficult and challenging it is just now for many of them. With rising energy costs, the recent UK Labour Government national insurance hike has just added more pressure on to local pubs and restaurants.
Mr Fraser continued: “This is why the Scottish Conservatives are fighting to introduce 100% business rates relief for pubs and restaurants. I am asking local residents to back this campaign and ensure our local pubs have a future.”
