Emergency campaign to save hospitality sector in Scotland

Hospitality bosses across Scotland are starting an emergency campaign warning there are only five weeks to save the sector.

They are asking for the Scottish Government to use the Scottish Budget to provide emergency support for the hospitality industry and a new long-term deal to support the sector to thrive.

Stephen Montgomery from the Scottish Hospitality Group told Greatest Hits Radio: "The rates of utility bills mean that many of us are being forced to pass costs on to our customers.

"We really need to protect these small businesses which are in the corners of every town across the country."

Three in five hospitality venues in Scotland have seen production, suppliers or both affected by higher energy prices.

Plea for tax relief

The SOS: Save Our Scottish Hospitality campaign is calling for 75% business rates relief to match the support that hospitality businesses in England & Wales have received over the last year.

Giovanna Eusibi runs an Italian restaurant in the West End of Glasgow and said: "We can't control food costs or energy prices.

"When the hospitality sector puts around £5 billion into the economy per year and when that is being chipped away, there is only so much I can cope with.

"Our industry is based on disposable income - fixing the roof of your house is more important than a pint in the pub."

Government help

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The hospitality sector is vital to Scotland’s economy.

"We are acutely aware of the enormous pressures facing businesses across the country, including inflation, energy price rises, and higher costs of borrowing.

"This is why we are taking decisive steps to offer support during this crisis, with limited powers and working within the most challenging budget since devolution.

“The Scottish Budget 2023-24 ensures the lowest poundage in the UK for the fifth year in a row and supports a package of reliefs worth an estimated £749 million.

"Around half of the properties in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are eligible for 100% SBBS relief this financial year.

"Decisions on non-domestic rates for 2024-25 will be made as part of next month’s Budget."

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