In recent days, there has been a mixed response to Government proposals to lower the drink-driving limit in England and Wales.
Scotland implemented a reduced level in 2014 and, at the time, reports revealed it had a profound impact on the Scottish on-trade.
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) managing director Colin Wilkinson said the industry had some issues when the limits came into force a decade ago, particularly in rural areas where there was a lack of transport links and there was evidence more people were drinking at home.
However, he highlighted it is now accepted legislation and said there were many more important issues facing the hospitality and pub sector now.
Rates reaction
Chef-patron of the Parkers Arms, Newton-in-Bowland, in Lancashire, Stosie Madi, also outlined her thoughts on the topic in an opinion piece for The Morning Advertiser.
Elsewhere this week, a poll from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) found almost three quarters (72%) of adults felt the current business rates paid by pubs are unfair.
This comes after the Treasury confirmed it intends to set lower multipliers for pub business rates in the Autumn Budget.
A spokesperson told The Morning Advertiser: “We are a pro-business Government that is creating a fairer business rates system to protect the high street, support investment and level the playing field.
“To deliver our manifesto pledge and provide certainty and support to the high street, we intend to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties from next year.
“The tough but necessary decisions we’ve taken on tax mean we could protect working people’s payslips from higher taxes, invest record amounts into the NHS, defence and other public services while keeping bus fares at £3 and expanding free meals."
Rebalancing required
Pitcher highlighted the BBPA’s survey and said it was good to hear the wider population agreed the current rates system was unfair.
He added: “The industry is overtaxed and we’re not asking for anything other than a bit of rebalancing, which will allow us to start investing again, growing, creating jobs and creating economic growth for the country.
“Let’s hope this is another signal this is going to happen.”
Find out what else The Revel Collective boss had to say on the top stories of the past few days in the video above.