The SLTA (Scottish Licensed Trade Association) has outlined its wish list for the new Scottish Government following the Scottish Parliament election on May 7 – but warned that “the time for talking shops is over” and “it’s action that’s required now, not words”.
Key asks from the SLTA include:
- Review of the commercial rating system and a sector-specific poundage rate for licensed hospitality
- A dedicated Tourism and Hospitality Minister
- ‘Re-kickstart’ the Scottish Government’s ‘New Deal for Business’
- Freeze or delay on further legislation or regulation that impacts on businesses
- More support for businesses to achieve their net-zero ambitions
- Improvements to the provision of public transport
- No personal tax rises
SLTA managing director Colin Wilkinson commented: “Nothing on our wish list is new – it’s what we’ve been calling for over many years now. However, the Scottish Parliament election presents us with an opportunity to reiterate to the new Scottish Government that the licensed trade and hospitality sectors really do need some help.
“And as we all look forward to a fresh start we urge the new government to accept that the time for talking shops is over – it’s action that’s required now, not words.
“Our first ask is for a review of the commercial rating system and a sector-specific poundage rate for licensed hospitality,” he added. “A full review of the commercial rating system is needed to at least bring Scottish-based licensed hospitality businesses in line with, or improve on, similar businesses south of the Border when it comes to commercial rates.
“This needs to be expedited as soon as possible as suggestions that the Scottish Government will bring in reform by 2029 is far too late for the majority of businesses. The SLTA’s call for a sector-specific poundage rate of 35p has been made on numerous occasions and would have an immediate positive impact for the sector.”
Appointing a dedicated Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Mr Wilkinson said, would reset the recognition of the importance of the sector to the Scottish economy and cultural heritage. “We are asking the new government to ‘re-kickstart’ the last government’s ‘New Deal for Business’ and appointing a dedicated minister would feed into this.
“Despite John Swinney stating his support for the ‘New Deal for Business’ on numerous occasions, the general feeling is that nothing substantial has been delivered that would make a positive impact on business – and with over 40 new MSPs joining the new Scottish Government our hope is that this new cohort will share our enthusiasm for finding innovative solutions to help the business community.
“Additionally, we are looking forward to the opportunity to reiterate to the new Scottish Government the need for afreeze or delay on further legislation or regulation that impacts on licensed hospitality businesses – alcohol promotion restrictions, for example.
Mr Wilkinson concluded: “The SLTA welcomes all new and returning MSPs from all parties and is committed to working in partnership to strengthen the licensed hospitality sector which is a major employer across Scotland and a key contributor to the economy.”