Tag: licensed trade

Alcohol: Minimum Unit Pricing rise

Proposal to continue policy and increase level to 65p

Plans to continue setting a minimum price per unit of alcohol and to increase it by 15p will go before the Scottish Parliament for approval.

As part of a ‘sunset clause’ when Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) legislation was introduced in 2018, it will end on 30 April this year unless Parliament votes to keep it.

A price increase is required to counteract the effects of inflation and 65p has been selected as the Scottish Government seeks to increase the positive effects of the policy.

If Parliament agrees, it will take effect on 30 September 2024.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison said: “Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to reducing health inequalities.

“Despite this progress, deaths caused specifically by alcohol rose last year – and my sympathy goes out to all those who have lost a loved one.

“We believe the proposals, which are supported by Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, strike a reasonable balance between public health benefits and any effects on the alcoholic drinks market and impact on consumers.

“Evidence suggests there has not been a significant impact on business and industry as a whole.

“Alongside MUP, we will continue to invest in treatment and a wide range of other measures, including funding for Alcohol and Drug Partnerships which rose to £112 million in 2023-24.”

CAMRA: Action plan needed to save Scottish pubs from permanent closure after MUP announcement

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) says ministers need to value the role of local pubs as part of Scotland’s social fabric and protect them from closure. 

CAMRA is calling on the Scottish Government to come up with an action plan to save the nation’s pubs following today’s announcement on increasing the minimum unit price for alcohol to 65p from 30 September. 

Representing pubgoers, the consumer group believes that policies like Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) – and a cut in tax specifically on pints served in pubs, which it is calling for ahead of the UK Government’s Budget in March – can encourage people to drink in the regulated setting of the pub instead of drinking cheaper supermarket alcohol at home. 

But the Campaign fears that uprating MUP won’t have an impact on its own to encourage pub-going and to safeguard the future of hundreds of community locals at risk of permanent closure due to crippling business rates and a possible return of Scottish Government plans to ban alcohol advertising. 

Commenting on the MUP increase, CAMRA’s Scotland Director Stuart McMahon said: “Our pubs and social clubs are a vital part of our social fabric, bringing people together and helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation. But too many are being forced to close due to crippling costs, with pubs in Scotland shutting up shop at a higher rate than elsewhere in the UK. 

“Sadly, the Scottish Government doesn’t seem to understand the importance of protecting our local pubs as community meeting places and as a safe, regulated place to enjoy a pint with friends and family, with all the wellbeing benefits that go with it. Once our pubs have closed down, or have been converted into flats or shops, or demolished altogether, it is too late to get them back for the communities they once served. 

“That’s why we are calling on the Scottish Government to bring forward an action plan to protect and promote pubs as a force for good in our society and to recognise the mental health and wellbeing benefits of drinking responsibly in your local. 

“CAMRA urgently wants to see a rethink on help for pubs with business rates, the closing of loopholes in the planning system that allow pubs to be demolished by developers without the need for planning permission and a commitment not to cripple valued local pubs and independent breweries by bringing back draconian measures to ban alcohol advertising and sponsorship.” 

GMB Scotland responds to ministerial announcement on Minimum Unit Pricing

GMB Scotland has urged the Scottish Government to urgently reconsider plans to increase minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol by 30%.

The union, with members across the drinks industry, warned the policy is already risking jobs and investment while its health benefits remain unproven.

Deputy first minister Shona Robison today revealed the government’s intention to continue the policy beyond its initial five years while increasing the MUP from 50p to 65p.

David Hume, GMB Scotland organiser in the drinks industry, said: “The case for continuing with MUP never mind increasing it gets weaker with every piece of research published.

“Ministers must be guided by reliable research and data not wishful thinking and good intentions.

“The potential consequences of this policy are too damaging for it to be justified with anecdote, hunches and hope.

“Five years ago, we were told this policy would help save lives of problem drinkers. Now we are told it is about curbing the intake of moderate drinkers but there is no substantive evidence to suggest it does either.”

“The health benefits of this policy remain theoretical at best but the risk of undermining one of Scotland’s most successful industries threatening investment and jobs could not be more real.

“It is reckless to consider extending this policy and increasing MUP when there is no substantive evidence that it does any good.”

The union polled workers across the brewing, whisky and spirits last year when 64% said MUP should be scrapped because it needlessly risked jobs and investment while doing nothing to discourage problem drinking while a third said it should remain at 50p or be reduced.

CAMRA Guide highlights pubs and brewery numbers across Scotland

The Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide – the UK’s best-selling beer and pub guide – is celebrating its 51st edition with a striking cover and a foreword supplied by Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson.

The Guide, which surveys 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinker’s guide for those seeking the best pints in the nation’s pubs.

Dickinson’s foreword shines a spotlight on the cultural tradition of pubs within the United Kingdom, the importance of protecting the heritage, charm and welcoming nature of pubs and clubs, and not taking them for granted.

The Good Beer Guide, which is published annually by CAMRA, helps beer lovers take a barometer of the local beer scene.

As well as covering 306 of the very best pubs across Aberdeen and Grampian, Argyll and the Isles, Ayrshire and Arran, Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Edinburgh and the Lothians, Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley, Highlands and the Western Isles, Kingdom of Fife, Loch Lomond, Stirling, the Trossachs, the Northern Isles and Tayside, it keeps track of brewery numbers, and notes a net loss of four breweries across the counties.

The story is the same across the UK, as although the Guide records 82 new breweries, 142 have closed. This net loss of 60 breweries is a worrying reminder that a lack of support from the Government means dire consequences for local businesses, in the wake of a cost-of-business crisis and the constant pressure of fuel bills.

This year’s Guide contains 910 newly featured pubs, which is a fantastic prospect for the pub trade which has been struggling to stay afloat in recent years following the pandemic and rising fuel costs.

The trade also faces an impending threat from unlawful demolitions, which CAMRA has declared a ‘national scandal’ in the wake of the demolition of the Crooked House in Himley.

CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: “The last few years have been an incredibly difficult time for the industry, and we need more support than ever before to keep our nation’s pubs and breweries open and thriving.

“I’d encourage everyone to use this year’s Guide to visit the very best pubs and breweries across the UK and support them for generations to come.”

The Good Beer Guide, which reviews over 4,500 pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinkers’ guide to the very best pints in a variety of styles of pubs to suit individual tastes. Compiled by thousands of independent volunteers, it helps identify significant trends and themes locally and nationally.

To order The Good Beer Guide 2024, visit https://shop1.camra.org.uk/product/the-good-beer-guide-2024/

‘What a feeling!’ as Scotland’s bars scoop top awards

Edinburgh pub entrepreneur Billy Lowe got an extra birthday present when he scooped the Lifetime Achievement Award at Tuesday’s Scottish Bar and Pub Awards, formerly known as the DRAM Awards, on his actual birthday! The award recognised his 35 years at the top of the licensed trade.

Said DRAM publisher Susan Young, “Billy Lowe is arguably Scotland’s most successful licensed trade entrepreneur. Having created three very successful pub companies and operated more than 30 pubs over the decades, he remains at the helm of Caledonia Inns, which includes the award-winning Black Ivy.”

The latter also won the Drinks Express Best Outdoor Area award.

He received his award in front of more than 600 industry peers at a glittering 80s Film themed awards ceremony at the Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow.

Following his win, Billy said, “It was a complete surprise, and I was delighted that the whole family was there to see it! For me, to be recognised alongside the deserving people who have won this award before, people that I truly admire, was such an honour.”

The event saw 30 awards presented to both venues and individuals from all around Scotland spanning from Our Place in Annan which picked up the Media World Casual Dining Award, to Inverness-based Prime which grabbed the ARO Procurement Customer Service Award.

Organiser Susan Young said: “The Scottish licensed trade is full of successful entrepreneurs and as a result we have some of the best pubs and venues in the UK.  These awards recognise and celebrate the efforts of the owners and their employees that give Scotland a hospitality industry that is worth shouting about. I take my hat off to all of them.”

Now in their 28th year, the awards are a highlight in the hospitality industry calendar and this year over 100 finalists attended the ceremony at the Double Tree Hilton Glasgow Central – making it the biggest event yet!

There were celebrations in Aberdeen as Scott Anderson of Siberia Bar & Hotel won THE DRUM Digital Innovator of the Year, Adrian Gomes of The Tippling House won Campari Mixologist of the Year and Bryony Baxter of Meraki Bar and Restaurant was named as William Grant & Sons Bar Apprentice of the Year.

In Edinburgh there was a double celebration for the Tipsy Midgie and owner Colin Hinds who took home both Benromach’s Whisky Bar of the Year and the Deanston Whisky Guru gongs!

Hey Palu was named the Makers Mark Cocktail Bar of the Year, Stramash as Pernod Ricard Best Late-Night Venue and Brewhemia as Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the Year!

A special mention went to The Original Rosslyn Inn who were honoured with the Golden Jubilee Award for Hospitality to celebrate their 50th year of business.

Meanwhile, in Glasgow winners included local favourites St Lukes & The Winged Ox for Hi-Spirits Best Live Music Venue, the WORQ Group for Premier Card Services Independent Operator of the Year and Graham Chalmers of Radisson RED who won the inaugural Edrington UK Giving More Award for his amazing charitable contributions.

Gillian Kirkland of The Piper Whisky Bar was deservedly crowned Inspirational Woman of the Year, Rory McGinley of Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery was named HOSPO Manager of the Year and Sportsterz Pete Harvey was stunned to receive his Bar Personality of the Year award!

A special ‘Heart of Hospitality’ award was also given to Bucks Bar owner Michael Bergson for being such a great voice for the licensed trade industry.

The Lisini Pub Company were recognized for their amazing sustainability work, winning the Flor de Cana Rum Sustainability Award and Baillieston’s The East End Fox snapped up the trophy for Kopparbergs New Bar of the Year.

In Ayrshire, industry giants Buzzworks took home the Hospitality Employer of the Year gong, the Fox and Willow won Inverarity Morton Scotland’s Best Drinks Offeringand Brandon Van Rensburg, owner of the Tempura chain, walked away as Buzzworks & Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.

Other winners from the west included Great Scots Bar in the Cameron House that were awarded Molinari’s Hotel Bar of the Year, The Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha that won Hotel Scotland Family Business of the Year, and Aberfoyle’s The Forth Inn that scooped the prize for Sheep Dog Whisky Dog Friendly Pub of the Year.

Falkirk’s Brian Flynn, owner of Behind The Wall, was named Licensee of the Year and The Scottish Hospitality Group awarded its Special Recognition Award to Caroline Louden of TLT LLP.

The full list of winners is below:

Lifetime Achievement Award

Billy Lowe – Caledonia Inns

Heart of Hospitality Award

Michael Bergson – Bucks Bar

ARO Procurement Customer Service Award

Prime Steak & Seafood – Inverness

Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year

Tipsie Midgie – Edinburgh

Buzzworks & Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

Brandon Van Rensburg – Tempura, Ayr

Campari Mixologist of the Year

Adrian Gomes – The Tippling House, Aberdeen

Deanston Whisky Guru of the Year

Colin Hinds – Tipsy Midgie, Edinburgh

Hospitality Employer of the Year

Buzzworks – Ayrshire

Drinks Express Best Outdoor Area

Black Ivy – Edinburgh

THE DRUM Digital Innovator of the Year

Siberia Bar & Hotel – Aberdeen

‘Giving More’ Award in partnership with Edrington UK

Graham Chalmers – Radisson RED, Glasgow

Flor de Cana Rum Sustainability Award

Lisini Pub Company – Uddingston

Golden Jubilee Award for Hospitality Excellence

The Original Rosslyn Inn – Roslin

HI-SPIRITS Best Live Music Venue

St Lukes & The Winged Ox  – Glasgow

HOSPO Manager of the Year

Rory McGinley – Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery, Glasgow

Hotel Scotland Family Business of the Year

The Oak Tree Inn – Balmaha

Inspirational Woman of the Year

Gillian Kirkland – The Piper Whisky Bar,Glasgow

Inverarity Morton Scotland’s Best Drinks Offering

The Fox and Willow – Ayr

Kopparberg New Bar of the Year

The East End Fox – Baillieston

Makers Mark Cocktail Bar of the Year

Hey Palu – Edinburgh

Mediaworld Casual Dining Award

Our Place – Annan

Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year

Great Scots’ Bar – Cameron House

Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the Year

Brewhemia – Edinburgh

Pernod Ricard Best Late-Night Venue

Stramash – Edinburgh

Premier Card Services Independent Operator of the Year

WORQ Group – Glasgow

Bar Personality of the Year

Pete Harvey – Sportsterz

Sheep Dog Whisky Dog Friendly Pub of the Year

The Forth Inn – Aberfoyle

Scottish Hospitality Group Contribution to the Industry Award

Caroline Loudon – TLT LLP

DRAM Licensee of the Year 2023

Brian Flynn – Behind the Wall, Falkirk

William Grant & Sons Bar Apprentices

Bryony Baxter – Meraki Bar & Restaurant, Bridge of Don

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Alcohol duty freeze extended

  • Alcohol duty freeze extended six months from 1 February to 1 August 2023
  • Part of government’s responsible management of UK economy, plan aims to reassure and provide certainty to pubs, breweries and distilleries facing tough challenges ahead
  • End date aligns with new simpler alcohol tax system taking effect, with Chancellor reserving decision on future duty rates for Spring Budget 2023

The freeze to UK alcohol duty rates has been extended six months to 1 August 2023, the government announced yesterday (19 December 2022).

In a statement to the House of Commons, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Cartlidge laid out a plan designed to provide certainty and reassure pubs, distilleries, and breweries as they face a challenging period ahead.

While new duty rates usually come in on the 1 February each year, Mr Cartlidge set out that this year the duty rates decision will be held until the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivers his Spring Budget on the 15 March 2023.

Further, the Minister made clear that if any changes to duty are announced then, they will not take effect until 1 August 2023. This is to align with the date historic reforms for the alcohol duty system come in, and amounts to an effective six month extension to the current duty freeze.

As part of the government’s commitment to responsible management of the UK economy, these changes will provide pubs, breweries, distilleries and other alcohol-related businesses with increased certainty to plan and make investment decisions more effectively.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Cartlidge said: “Today’s announcement reflects this government’s commitment to responsible management of the UK economy and supporting hospitality through a challenging winter.

“The alcohol sector is vital to our country’s social fabric and supports thousands of jobs – we have listened to pubs, breweries and industry reps concerned about their future as they get ready for the new, simpler, alcohol tax system taking effect from August.

“That’s why we have acted now to give maximum certainty to industry and confirmed there will be just one set of industry-wide changes next summer.”

The current alcohol duty freeze was announced at Autumn Budget 2021, saving consumers over £3 billion over five years. It was expected to come to an end on 1 February 2023, following the Chancellor’s reversal of most of September’s Growth Plan to restore trust in the economy and strengthen public finances.

At Autumn Budget 2021 the government announced the biggest reforms to alcohol duty in 140 years. The changes overhaul the UK’s outdates rules following exiting the EU by radically simplifying the entire system and slashing red-tape. To give industry more time to prepare, September’s Growth Plan set out that the reforms would take effect from 1 August 2023.

The new alcohol tax system will adopt a common-sense approach, where the higher a drink’s strength the higher the duty, whilst new reliefs will be made available to help pubs and small producers thrive.

New Draught Relief will be worth £100 million a year and will ensure smaller craft producers can benefit, the threshold for qualifying containers will be 20 litres.

Small Brewers Relief will be renamed Small Producer Relief, reformed and expanded. Until the revamp, a cliff-edge existed when relief is withdrawn for brewers who make more than 5,000 hectolitres a year.

This will be addressed, there will instead be a gradual taper to the removal of relief, which will empower small breweries to grow, after they had made clear through consultation that the current design was acting as a barrier. Further, the expansion of the relief means that all producers that make drinks below 8.5% – mostly craft brewers and cidermakers – will be able to get relief on their products.

The alcohol duty reforms will help create a simpler, fairer and healthier duty system. Higher rate for sparkling wines will come to an end, meaning they will pay the same rate as still wine. Liqueurs will be put on the same footing as fortified wine, meaning a sherry and Irish Cream will now pay the same duty, and super-strength ‘white cider’ will rise to address public health concerns. 

The wine industry will also be supported as they adapt to the new system. All wine between 11.5-14.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) to calculate duty as if it were 12.5% ABV for 18 months from the implementation of the new system.

A UK Spirits Alliance spokesperson said: “Today’s decision by HM Treasury comes as extremely welcome news to distillers across the country. We know that previous duty freezes have enabled distillers across the UK to invest in supply chains, tourism centres and local communities.

“The announcement today is a major boost to the industry at such a crucial time. We look forward to working with the Chancellor over the coming months as he makes a decision on the future of alcohol duty at the Spring Budget.”

Miles Beale, Chief Executive, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said: “We are extremely pleased to hear that the Chancellor has listened to our calls not to deliver a double whammy tax hike next year.

“History has shown that freezing alcohol duty delivers increased revenue to the Exchequer. If duty rates went up by RPI on February 1st, this would have been a crippling blow to the UK alcohol industry and consumers who would have to pay the price for tax rises.

“Delaying any increase until 1 August means businesses will not have to manage two duty rises in the space of 6 months.  We hope that any duty increases applied in August take into account the damage suffered by wine and spirit businesses and the hospitality sector during the pandemic as businesses continue to fightback.

“We are calling on Jeremy Hunt to cancel double digit tax rises to help cash-strapped consumers and to support the UK’s world-class drinks industry.”

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive, the British Beer and Pub Association said: “The decision to extend the freeze on beer duty will be welcomed by pubs and brewers alike.

“In 2022 our industry has faced pressures and challenges like never before. This freeze will allow £180million to be reinvested into our sector at a critical moment and inject a much-needed flurry of festive cheer for pubs and breweries. It shows the Government understands just how much our pubs and brewers mean to communities across the UK.

“Investment in our sector now will pay dividends in villages, towns and cities across the country for generations to come. Pubs and brewers are a crucial thread in the social fabric of our society and contribute not only economically but socially, connecting people in communities up and down the country.

“We look forward to working with the Government to implement the promised duty reforms in 2023 ensuring a fair and modernised rates system in the UK that support lower-strength products and our country’s pubs.”

Richard Naisby, National Chairman, Society of Independent Brewers said: “Independent breweries play a vital role in the British hospitality industry and are embedded in their local communities, providing jobs and adding greatly to local economies across the UK.

“The extension of the beer duty freeze comes as welcome news to these vital independent businesses, providing some certainty until the summer.

“We look forward to working with Treasury on delivering further positive changes for the hospitality and independent brewing industry.”

Finalists revealed for The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022

Bumper year for the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022 as more than 3500 people have had their say in naming Scotland’s most loved pubs, with thousands of votes cast online over the last few months. 

Now in their 27th year, The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards – dubbed the hospitality Oscars, celebrate Scotland’s licensed trade and shine a spotlight on all aspects of the hospitality industry, featuring standout pubs up and down the country in more than 24 categories.

These include Antos Dog Friendly Pub of The Year; Hi-Spirits Best Live Music Venue; The Busker Cocktail Bar of the Year and Kopparberg New Bar of the Year.

Over 75 leading finalists have been revealed including Glasgow’s stylish Moskito and the eclectic Bourbon in Edinburgh for the Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue. 

Seeking out the nation’s most creative drinks, trailblazing whisky and cocktail bar, The Gate, and the adventurous Absent Ear are up for the Busker Cocktail bar, alongside the Cocktail Mafia in Edinburgh and Lido in Troon. 

The inaugural Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the Year will see Broughty Ferry’s The Fort, Dundee’s Jute Café bar, Inverness-based Scotch & Rye and Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Café battle it out to be crowned Scotland’s best bar. 

Independent Operators are the driving force for hospitality. Up for the DRAM Independent Pub Group of the Year award for 2022 are Buzzworks Holdings in Ayrshire which has an award-winning portfolio of bars and restaurants in Scotland including Vic’s & The Vine, Scotts, The Mill House, Lido, The Duke and The Bridge Inn to name a few.

Also in the running are Bread Meats Bread, which has six eponymous venues serving up award-winning burgers and cocktails, and the Bruce group, which focus on drinks-led retailing with an inherent added value experience in Edinburgh and Fife. Their multi-venue portfolio includes Stramash, The Mash House, Opium, Dusk and the Royal Mile Tavern. 

Scotland’s longest-running licensed trade awards also look to celebrate rising stars in the industry, community-led initiatives and give a much-needed boost to those championing the late-night economy. 

Every finalist has been voted for by the public and people in the trade and will have been visited by mystery shoppers. Winners will be announced at a prestigious award ceremony on 30th August 2022 at The Doubletree Glasgow Central, in Glasgow.

Organiser, Susan Young said: “The votes are in and verified and the time is nearly here to celebrate the best of the best at The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022.

“The licensed trade needs our support more than ever and Scottish hospitality has never been better. Congratulations to all the finalists – your recognition is very well deserved, and I can’t wait to see who takes home the trophies at this year’s awards.”

The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022 will announce all category winners at a glitzy award ceremony on August 30th, where guests will also be able to enjoy entertainment from Abba MANIA. 

For more information, head to www.scottishbarandpubawards.com   or to book a ticket for the event, email accounts@mediaworldltd.com 

The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022 finalists. *Note that the awards are alphabetical and in no particular order. 

CategoryFinalist
Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the YearBlack Ivy, Edinburgh
Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the YearThe Forth Inn, Aberfoyle
Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the YearInndeep, Glasgow
Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the YearThe White Stag, Callander
Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the YearBrewhemia, Edinburgh
Aro Procurement Customer Service AwardThe Coach House, Bridge of Weir
Aro Procurement Customer Service AwardThe Fox & Willow, Ayr
Aro Procurement Customer Service AwardThe Huxley, Edinburgh
Aro Procurement Customer Service AwardLittle Soho, Jordanhill
Benromach Whisky Bar of the YearThe Albananch, Edinburgh
Benromach Whisky Bar of the YearArtisan, Wishaw
Benromach Whisky Bar of the YearThe Malt Room, Inverness
Benromach Whisky Bar of the YearThe Piper Whisky Bar, Glasgow
Deanston Guru of the YearGillian Kirkland /The Piper’s Whisky Bar
Deanston Guru of the YearDerek Mather/Artisan
Deanston Guru of the YearMatt McPherson/ The Malt Room
Deanston Guru of the YearAlastair Shaw/The Gate
Deanston Guru of the YearSimon Smith/ Whisky & Cynicism
DRAM Community PubClippens Inn, Linwood
DRAM Community PubGranny Gibbs, Whiteinch
DRAM Community PubSilver Wing, Edinburgh
DRAM Community PubThe Weston Tavern, Kilmaurs
Hi Spirits Best Live Music VenueBox Bar & Club, Glasgow
Hi Spirits Best Live Music VenueHarley’s, Ayr
Hi Spirits Best Live Music VenueMacSorley’s, Glasgow
Hi Spirits Best Live Music VenueSt Luke’s & The Winged Ox, Glasgow

HOSPO Manager of the year		Nicola Armstrong – Macgochans, Mull
HOSPO Manager of the yearMatt Colligan – Bier Hall
HOSPO Manager of the yearLee Little – Lido, Troon
HOSPO Manager of the yearConnor  Smith – Hamilton Palace, Hamilton
HOSPO Manager of the yearKeir Beckwith, Gaucho

Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the Year		The Dome, Edinburgh 
Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the YearGa Ga Kitchen & Bar, Glasgow
Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the YearKyloe, Edinburgh 
Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the YearRalph & Finns , Glasgow
Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the YearThe Ubiquitous Chip , Glasgow
Kopparberg New Bar of the YearThe Albyn, Aberdeen
Kopparberg New Bar of the YearThe Fox, Troon
Kopparberg New Bar of the YearGiddy Goose, Perth
Kopparberg New Bar of the YearJimmy Badgers, Inverness
Molinari Casual Dining AwardAllegria Eatery, Largs
Molinari Casual Dining AwardCaffe Parma, Glasgow
Molinari Casual Dining AwardBoar’s Head, Auchtermuchty
Molinari Casual Dining AwardMediterraneo, Glasgow
Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the YearThe Fort, Broughty Ferry 
Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the YearJute Cafe Bar, Dundee
Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the YearScotch & Rye, Inverness
Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the YearKelvingrove Café, Glasgow
Old Tom Gin Hotel Bar of the Year18, Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews
Old Tom Gin Hotel Bar of the YearThe American Bar, Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder
Old Tom Gin Hotel Bar of the YearVirgin Hotels, The Commons Club, Edinburgh
Old Tom Gin Hotel Bar of the YearThe Lounge Bar, Fonab Castle, Pitlochry
Pernod Ricard Best Late Night VenueBourbon, Edinburgh
Pernod Ricard Best Late Night VenueCharlie’s Loft, Glasgow
Pernod Ricard Best Late Night VenueMoskito, Glasgow
Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue Pernod Ricard Best Late Night VenueNox, AberdeenWhy Not Nightclub Edinburgh
Stoli Sustainability Award – Heather Suttie…Contini’s Scottish Restaurant, Edinburgh
Stoli Sustainability Award – Heather Suttie…Eusebi, Glasgow
Stoli Sustainability Award – Heather Suttie…Gaucho, Glasgow
Stoli Sustainability Award – Heather Suttie…SWG3, Glasgow 
The Busker Cocktail Bar of the YearThe Absent Ear, Glasgow
The Busker Cocktail Bar of the YearThe Cocktail Mafia, Edinburgh
The Busker Cocktail Bar of the YearThe Gate, Glasgow
The Busker Cocktail Bar of the YearThe Lido, Troon
Independent Operator of the Year                              Bread Meets Bread (BMB), Glasgow
Independent Operator of the YearThe Bruce Group, Edinburgh
Independent Operator of the YearBuzzworks, Ayrshire
Independent Operator of the YearScoop Restaurants
SUNDAY MAIL PUB OF THE YEARHabbies, Kilbarchan
SUNDAY MAIL PUB OF THE YEARThe Palais, Glasgow
SUNDAY MAIL PUB OF THE YEARThe Station Bar, Glasgow
SUNDAY MAIL PUB OF THE YEARThe Waverley, Wishaw 

On the night there will be various other awards including an

Award for SuccessThe Lifetime Achievement AwardAnd an Inspirational Woman Award

Follow online:

https://www.instagram.com/scottishbarpubawards/
https://twitter.com/scotbarpubaward 

Updated guidance for hospitality

Drinking, Dining and Dancing without face masks will be permitted from Monday 9th August.  

There is no requirement to wear a mask while eating or drinking, whether seated or standing. The Government are encouraging the use of table service where possible, but this is not a requirement.

The mandatory collection of customer contact details will remain in place.

A copy of the newly updated guidance is available here.  

CLARITY ON ‘VERTICAL DRINKING’

SCOTLAND’S licensed hospitality trade received confirmation yesterday that “vertical drinking” in licensed premises will be permitted from Monday.

Colin Wilkinson, managing director of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), attended a meeting on Wednesday with the Scottish Government and other industry groups at which officials provided clarity following ‘confusing messages’ from Deputy First Minister John Swinney on BBC Radio Scotland.

Mr Wilkinson said: “It is absolutely crucial to have this clarified. Mr Swinney’s comments were both unhelpful and misinformed.”

Tuesday’s lockdown easing measures do nothing for most pubs, says licensed trade body

The relaxation of lockdown measures announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday will do little to help the vast majority of Scotland’s pubs, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association has said.

In response to the announcement the SLTA reiterated its disappointment that Scotland’s bars, restaurants and cafés will still not be able to serve alcohol indoors until the licensed hospitality industry begins to reopens to some extent later next month.

SLTA managing director Colin Wilkinson said that while his organisation welcomed the announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to lift restrictions on travelling around Scotland and allow people to meet up in larger groups outdoors from Friday, it will do nothing to help the vast majority of licensed trade businesses.

“We appreciate the baby steps and the continuing need for caution but for most opening on April 26 will simply be unviable and that’s without taking into account the unpredictable Scottish weather,” he said. 

“Even many businesses with suitable facilities to serve people customers outdoors have decided to wait until May 17 when the industry will be able to open until 10.30pm indoors with alcohol permitted and, for outdoors, until 10pm.

“We are now urging the Scottish Government to consider loosening these restrictions to give our industry a fighting chance. England has reopened its hospitality industry so let’s fall into line with our colleagues south of the border.”

According to a recent industry report, only 22.9 per cent of licensed premises in Scotland have designated outdoors areas and many of these are small areas with only a few tables.

Mr Wilkinson added: “By our reckoning it will not be viable for about two-thirds of the licensed trade to reopen on April 26.”

He said that while eligible businesses may be entitled to one-off cash “restart grants” from local councils, Covid restrictions will continue into June and beyond, leading businesses further into debt.

Wilkinson added: “The typical small hospitality business has taken on between £60,000 and £90,000 in bank debt and deferred bills as of February this year just to survive Covid – and the debt is rising with every week of low or no income.”

Stonegate Recognised As Best Training Operator in Scotland

Stonegate Pub Company was voted the Best Operator for Training by the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) Scotland in its annual awards ceremony recently. The company was presented with the award at a glittering ceremony which took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow. Continue reading Stonegate Recognised As Best Training Operator in Scotland

Cheers! Local MP votes for fair deal for publicans

Lazarowicz supports clause to protect community pubs

drink[1]Mark Lazarowicz MP has voted to protect local publicans from the predatory practices of large pub owning companies (known as pubcos) by backing a new cross-party clause to the Small Business Bill earlier this week.

Following a report into the industry by the cross-party Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee in 2010, Labour has campaigned alongside a broad coalition of groups in the industry – including the Federation of Small Businesses, the Forum of Private Business, CAMRA, FairPint and the GMB and UNITE trade unions – to call for greater protection for local pubs and put a stop to unfair treatment and restrictive practices by pubcos.

The government’s provisions to regulate pubcos in the Small Business Bill, debated in Parliament this week, but these fell some way short of Labour’s plans and campaigners’ demands. Labour therefore supported a cross-party clause to strengthen the Bill. The government opposed this change but were defeated by 284 votes to 269.

The North & Leith MP said: “27 pubs close every week and 57% of landlords who are tied to a large pubco earn less than £10,000 a year. These are scandals which must be addressed, and so I was proud to support the new clause which gives licensees the option of going free of tie – so that they can buy their beers on the open market – whenever they negotiate a new contract.

“This is the best way to ensure that large pub companies offer fair terms to their licensees and to finally address the scandal of so many valued community pubs shutting. The cooperation of the Scottish government will now be required for the proposals to be fully implemented in Scotland, and I hope that they will do this.”