Tories plan campaign to ‘save the local pub’ and call for more support

The Scottish Tories are set to launch a campaign to save local pubs, pushing for “meaningful support” from Government.

Party leader Russell Findlay will visit a pub in Ayrshire on Monday to kick off the campaign ahead of bringing a vote on support for the sector to Holyrood on Wednesday.

The Tories are calling for 100% rates relief for hospitality businesses with a rateable value of less than £100,000, and a postponement to the ongoing revaluation.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Findlay said: “Many of Scotland’s pubs are on the brink of collapse after years of being hammered by the SNP’s tax hikes and anti-business agenda.

“That is why we’re launching our important campaign to save the local pub while also demanding that the SNP deliver immediate and meaningful support for the wider hospitality sector in Scotland.

“If they fail to do so, many will be forced to call last orders, causing untold job losses and taking the life out of our communities.”

In the Budget at the start of the year, Finance Secretary Shona Robison announced a 15% relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth less than £110,000 for the three-year duration of the revaluation.

Last month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced 15% relief for pubs south of the border as part of a £300 million package for the sector.

Ms Robison said the Government would “provide even further support” for the sector in Scotland if extra funding becomes available, though no announcements have been made about changes.

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.