‘Last thing sector needs is another hurdle in place in the race to its recovery’

Following full reopening of the sector, the two pressing concerns are now around staff shortages and supply chain problems.

Trade body the SLTA, which represents independent licensed trade establishments and personal licence-holders and has members from across pubs, hotels, restaurants, off-saes and late-night premises, laid out its stance on the issues facing the industry.

Serious issues

SLTA managing director Colin Wilkinson said: “With Scotland’s pubs and bars just taking the first tentative steps towards recovery the last thing this beleaguered industry needs is for more restrictions to be imposed on it.
“The full reopening of the hospitality sector has been hit with two serious issues: a shortage of staff availability and the more recent immediate problems facing the supply chain.
“SLTA members are already reporting delays and cancellations of orders placed with brewers and other supply chain operators and, in some instances, beer orders that have been delivered fall short by about 75%.”

Gas supply concerns

Wilkinson went on to outline how the added possibility of issues around CO2 and gas supply is a growing concern.

He added: “In many cases packaged goods are not being delivered and we have reports of pub and bar owners travelling the length of the country to source supplies.
“We have also heard reports of the selective supply of goods by some companies only servicing certain sections of their customer base.
“The threat of strike action by delivery staff only adds to the industry’s concerns and the SLTA hopes this particular issue will be resolved promptly.
“Added to our woes is the concern over CO2 and nitrogen gas supplies, even when we do get beer delivered. The last thing this sector needs is another hurdle in place in the race to its recovery.”