Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Sue Webber is backing her party’s campaign to save Scotland’s pubs.
Sue Webber MSP’s call comes after leader Russell Findlay officially launched the campaign with a visit to a hospitality business in Prestwick on Monday.
Sue Webber says that pubs and hospitality businesses across Edinburgh and the Lothian Region are being “hammered” by both the SNP and Labour governments’ high taxes and failure to pass on full rates relief in recent years.
She warned it will be “last orders” for many pubs across the region unless urgent support is provided – and called on the SNP to drop their “catastrophic” rates revaluation which will lead to bills increasing by 300% for businesses.
Sue Webber MSP added that pubs and hospitality businesses are the lifeblood of communities in Edinburgh and the Lothian Region and says that vital jobs will be lost because of the SNP and Labour “pushing them to the brink of collapse”.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Sue Webber said: “I’m delighted to be backing our party’s campaign to save Scotland’s pubs.
“Pubs and the wider hospitality sector are really struggling right now due to constant tax rises from both the SNP and Labour governments, as well as the Nationalists’ failure to pass on the rates relief available in the rest of the UK.
“If the SNP and Labour do not act now then it will be last order for many pubs and businesses across Edinburgh and the Lothian Region.
“The SNP’s business rates revaluation will be catastrophic for many across the Lothian Region. Ministers must pause the scheme immediately because the eye-watering increases in bills could sound the death knell for local businesses.
“Pubs and hospitality businesses are the lifeblood of communities across the Lothian Region, and it would be devastating for local jobs and the wider economy if they were forced to shut their doors.
“I will continue to stand up for pubs across Edinburgh and the Lothians, to ensure that they not only survive but thrive.”
Back the campaign: www.scottishconservatives.com/news/save-our-pubs/