Shona's calling time on our pubs

Fears bars won't be able to cope with tax hikes

- BY BEN BORLAND

SHONA Robison was accused of taking a “sticking plaster approach” to the looming crisis facing Scotland’s pubs and high streets.

A nationwide rates revaluation from April 1 will see bills soar by up to 400%, hammering businesses which are already struggling with sky-high energy costs.

The Finance Secretary yesterday unveiled a package of 15% non-domestic rates relief in 2026-27, worth £138million over three years for retail, hospitality and leisure premises.

But pubs are currently entitled to a 40% discount on their business rates - and industry figures said the move could spell the end for many Scottish locals.

Stuart McMahon, director of pub campaign group CAMRA Scotland, said: “Pubgoers and publicans simply won’t stand for a Budget which will force more of our locals to go to the wall by landing them with bills they simply can’t afford.

“I fear that slashing the 40% discount on business rates bills for pubs to just 15% at the same time as these bills are increasing will be absolutely disastrous.

Vital

“Transitional reliefs may sound good but if this Budget still means higher business rates bills than pubs are paying now then this will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for many hard-pressed licensees.

“Pubs need permanently lower business rates bills so that they can survive, thrive and play their part as vital community hubs.”

In her Budget statement, Ms Robison who is stepping down from frontline politics at the election in May said the 15% rates relief scheme was introduced “in response to concerns from the business community”.