Star continues Scottish rent reduction

Star Pubs & Bars has announced it is continuing its rent reduction support until restrictions are fully lifted in Scotland.

Scotland’s biggest pub operator expects around 50% of its 230 pubs in Scotland to reopen on 26 April.

By 17 May, when rules for Scottish operators may next be eased, the company will have invested over £5.7m in rent cuts to help its Scottish pubs through the pandemic. Its rent reduction support for the UK now stands at £62m.

“We know the rent relief, which represents a significant investment on behalf of Star Pubs & Bars during challenging times for the whole industry, will have a significant bearing on the future sustainability of our licensees’ businesses – and clearly we want to see our pubs thrive in the long-term," says Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star Pubs & Bars. "We’re delighted that the Scottish government has allowed us to reopen, but the restrictions are onerous. Pubs are in a fragile state. The Scottish government urgently needs to provide additional financial assistance or scrap the nonsensical curfews and restrictions on drinking alcohol indoors that will hamper the recovery of Scotland’s pubs."

Star licensees around Scotland have been revamping their outdoor space in preparation for 26 April.  

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