STAR Pubs & Bars, the Heineken-owned pub company, has announced that it will reduce rent for its Scottish tenants and lessees for the duration of any COVID restrictions.
The company has said it will cut rent by 30%, with the reduction commencing on 27th December when Scottish pubs were required to offer table service only and ensure a distance of one metre between groups. The reduction will remain “under review in the event of any government policy alterations and additional government support for the pub sector”.
Lawson Mounstevens, managing director of Star Pubs & Bars, said the additional restrictions imposed on pubs have been “a real body blow to the industry”.
“With many pubs suffering a downturn in trade as a result of the reintroduction of restrictions in Wales and Scotland we believe the best support we can provide at this time is to offer rent concessions, said Mounstevens.
“We’ll also continue to lobby the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments to provide further meaningful long-term support to the industry including alcohol duty reductions and business rates reform.”
