Bar owners ‘ being treated like lepers’
Pubs spokesman blames cut in drink-drive limit
PUB owners are treated like ‘lepers’ despite providing jobs and a lifeline for rural communities, an industry body claimed.
Michael McHugh, secretary of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), said the industry was on its knees after the SNP slashed the drink-drive limit.
The SLTA estimates more than 400 pubs have shut since the limit was cut in December 2014.
Mr McHugh condemned the Scottish Gove r n ment’ s ‘ betrayal’ of publicans and accused ministers of ‘writing off ’ the industry.
He said the cut in the drinkdrive limit was ‘a brutal kick in the teeth from a government that does not value our industry in any way’.
Mr McHugh, who owns the Station Bar in Cowcaddens, Glasgow, said: ‘Publicans are treated like lepers, despite the fact we are major employers and provide nothing short of a lifeline for some isolated rural communities.
‘The politicians who dreamt up the cut in the drink- drive limit seem to regard pubs as places where people routinely drink to wild excess, lining the pockets of uncaring proprietors. The reality is that our industry has shown we do not condone drink- driving above the limit, with various campaigns to encourage nominated drivers.
‘Profits are plunging and most of those who do come to pubs are looking for a pint or two and relaxed social interaction. They are not out to cause carnage and destruction.’
Mr McHugh said that after the drink- drive limit change, takings at the Station Bar had slumped by 20 per cent and staff had been cut as a result.
He added: ‘ The effect has been horrific but unlike other industries the Government has not stepped in with a “rescue package”.
‘ Regul ar s disappeared because of the scare tactics of the Scottish Government, which put out a stark message that not drinking at all if you are driving was the only way of avoiding a criminal record and a ruined career.
‘In other countries with similar drink- drive limits, a more flexible approach was taken on penalties. But in Scotland the threshold has come down and there is no leeway or leniency.’
Mr McHugh also said the ban on public smoking had also affected the industry – but the cut in the drink-drive limit had been devastating.
He added: ‘ Publicans are realists – we never expected special treatment. But we certainly did not anticipate a betrayal on this scale.’
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Scotland is leading the way across the UK with the introduction of a lower drink-drive limit.
‘Recent figures from Police Scotland show that 7.6 per cent fewer drivers were caught over the limit in 2015 compared to the previous year.
‘We know licensees do not wish to place their customers or other road users at risk. If people act responsibly, for example, by nominating a designated driver, this will help mitigate any impact on trade.
‘We are determined to end the tragedy of deaths caused by drink- driving. If this new law saves one life, then it will be a success.’
‘Regulars disappeared’