MORE than a quarter of pub owners in Scotland believe Brexit is having a negative impact on their trade, according to a new study.
The survey of 500 licensed premises across the country, including large chains as well as independent operators, found around 28% think the uncertainty around the UK’s departure from the EU has negatively affected them.
This is a rise on the 17% of premises that highlighted concerns over Brexit in a December study ahead of the UK’s original departure date of March 29.
Despite the possible impact of Brexit, 56% of the outlets that took part in the survey described their business as either growing or stable.
The figures were published by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) as part of its half-year on-trade market review.
The report also highlighted the positive impact of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, with some premises saying they had a rise in sales.
Colin Wilkinson, managing director of the SLTA, said: “Our survey covers all types of licensed premises and is an indicator of the key challenges facing the wide range of small to large businesses which trade within the wider hospitality sector.
“Up against a buoyant market in 2018, fuelled by the World Cup and a hot summer, there has been a slight slowdown in the market, but retailers remain optimistic for the rest of 2019.
“But there are concerns, particularly around Brexit. In our Christmas survey, 17% of respondents said that Brexit had negatively impacted upon them and this number has increased to 28%.
“Looking forward, however, retailers are overall optimistic about their sector, with 72% anticipating growth or stability in the rest of 2019, with growth led by Scottish gin, online bookings and craft beers.’’ Alistair McAlinden, a director at accountants KPMG, which sponsored the study, said: “Whilst Brexit uncertainty persists, and regulation remains a key challenge, it is more crucial than ever for operators to proactively and regularly review contingency plans, including taking appropriate advice at an early stage.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel