New group to provide ‘forum for hospitality organisations’
A CROSS-party beer and pubs group has been established by Members of the Scottish Parliament.
The group will “seek to celebrate, recognise and enhance the contribution that the brewing and pub-related hospitality industry plays in Scotland”; and “provide a forum for politicians and hospitality organisations to discuss policies that will impact the beer and pub sector and affect beer drinkers and pub-goers across Scotland”.
Craig Hoy (pictured), a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, will act as convener of the cross-party group, with Paul Sweeney, a Labour MSP for Glasgow, as deputy convener. The group will be supported by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) and the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA).
Hoy said: “Beer and pubs play a huge role in each and every region we represent both socially, as meeting places, and economically, as job and wealth creators.
“I hope the cross-party group will recognise the contribution of pubs and licensed bars to community life.”
Sweeney said he wants to “engage with the industry to see how we can support them after what has been a very difficult couple of years”.
“The hospitality industry, pubs in particular, have been hard by COVID,” he said.
“Given their importance to local communities it is vital that they have access to support where needed.”
