New measures could throw a lifeline to struggling pubs

UBS have been in decline in recent years in Scotland. With up to 1,000 shutting since the smoking ban was introduced, and further blows to the industry including the tougher restrictions on drinking and driving, it has been a difficult spell.

Supermarket drinks offers, now restricted, and low prices mean more people choosing to drink at home, or to “pre-load” before they go out.

Meanwhile, the days of pubs being a focus for problem or antisocial drinking are largely gone.

A pub is in many ways the best place to drink. At a time when the lack of a sense of community is widely bemoaned, pubs can provide a social focus. More importantly they are generally safe, with licensees having a duty to keep an eye on their clientele, measures controlled and other customers around to discourage excessive or unhealthy drinking.

It would therefore be welcome if a new deal protecting publicans in relation to costs such as rent and stock, can encourage more young people into the industry.

Pubs in many ways offer a low-risk opportunity for young entrepreneurs. With tens of thousands of under-25s already employed in the sector, there is no reason why all of those should be in low-paid bar jobs. Many could become landlords themselves, the Scottish Beer and Pub Association says, and so-called “tied pubs” could help put them on the road.

The tied pub system – which sees premises leased to landlords by big breweries – has been problematic, leading to disputes, arbitrary rent hikes and expensive supplies.

New laws to address the problem south of the border will not be law in Scotland, but will be applied here nonetheless, offering reassurance and possible arbitration. As a result such businesses could become an attractive route into business for ambitious young people and reinvigorate the industry, making them part of the solution rather than part of the problem.