Rates rises could shut down pubs

THE world’s in freefall. We’ve ignored Back to the Future 2’s premonitions. Common sense took the last DeLorean out of here and Biff Tannen’s in the White House. The local pub is a rock to cling to during this time of upheaval, just as Lou’s diner was Marty McFly’s go-to during his time travelling adventures.

For me, the “local” remains an extension of home. It’s at the core of life, where we go to wet the baby’s head and mourn loved ones lost. When my friend Martin Soutar passed, we placed a plaque in Lebowski’s in Finnieston, Glasgow, to commemorate the five o’clock club he helped create.

At around 5pm each evening, friends would gather to discuss everything from their working day to politics. That’s what the local is all about. It’s special, a world without barriers of class or creed. Our choice of tipple has matured along with our age. The lager is now craft ale, chased by a good Verdejo with a spritz.

With common sense on vacation, it comes as no surprise the local is under attack. The Scottish Government’s rates rises – highlighted first by The Herald – may not register with the average punter, but £10 pints will not go unnoticed.

Martin may well fall off his stool when he sees the cost of his round, should these rises go through unchecked.

Your local needs your help. Contact your councillor to voice your concerns. Take your better half for dinner, meet that mate you haven’t seen for a while or just pop in for a pint.

Time is of the essence, there’s no Delorean to go back and fix things. When your local’s gone, it’s gone. Graham Suttle is the managing director of Kained Holdings which has nine venues, including The Finnieston and Porter & Rye in Glasgow.

WINE CHOICE To discover the Jumilla route in southeast Spain, try El Mayoral Monastrell Petit Verdot (£6.99, Aldi), which offers sun-drenched cherry fruits with hints of blackberries steeped in liquorice and spice.