CARLA TALBOT
Five popular pubs will NOT be axed in brewery giant Greene King’s raft of bar closures across the UK.
The pub chain announced it will cut 800 jobs as 79 venues close, but the busy bars in Renfrewshire are not set to be impacted by the devastating cuts.
The hospitality firm operates a number of venues in the area, including Gabriels and Craig Dhu, both in Paisley, Linwood Farm, The Flying Scotsman, in Renfrew, and The Projectionist at Braehead’s Soar.
The news is a welcome reprieve for Renfrewshire’s hospitality industry, and West of Scotland MSP Neil Bibby, pictured, is relieved the area has been saved from another jobs blow.
Renfrewshire is currently facing high unemployment rates following a series of highprofile job losses at Rolls- Royce,
Glasgow Airport and Menzies Distribution – some of the area’s biggest employers.
Paisley- based MSP Mr Bibby said: “This is a critical time for the economy and for our pubs.
“It doesn’t appear that Renfrewshire is affected by this particular announcement and any news that jobs are being retained in the current climate will be a relief to local workers.
“We have to see a healthy pub and brewery industry across all tenures.
“The Scottish Government needs to put in place a package of support for pubs which is conditional on retaining jobs.”
While Renfrewshire dodged the hospitality jobs cuts, Mr Bibby has contacted Nicola Sturgeon to call for more support to be given for pubs across the country following new restrictions announced on Wednesday.
The First Minister imposed even stricter measures, forcing all licensed premises in five health board areas – including NHS Greater
Glasgow and Clyde – to close for two weeks in a bid to stem the spread of Covid-19.
In the letter, seen by the Express, Mr Bibby says these restrictions will have “profound consequences” for the hospitality sector.
He also called on more support to be given to pubs through his Tied Pubs Bill, which aims to create a fair relationship between publicans and the companies - such as Greene King - which own the premises.
Mr Bibby added: “When restrictions are lifted, it is vital further action is taken to help pubs recover and rebuild.
“For example, the ban on background music should be lifted at the earliest opportunity and there should be a review on the effectiveness of the 10pm curfew.
“To support pubs through the difficult months ahead and build back to something better, the Scottish Government should also support my Tied Pubs Bill, which would deliver fairness for Scotland’s tied pub tenants and could deliver a boost to local businesses in the pub trade at a pivotal time.”