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Trade groups The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), UK Hospitality Scotland and the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) have jointly called on the Scottish Government to ensure any easing of outdoor seating rules also covers bars and pubs.

Trade groups have called on the incoming prime minister to cut VAT for hospitality as prices continue to rise at their fastest rate for 40 years.

New reports have identified Glasgow and Edinburgh as being among Britain’s most vibrant cities in terms of hospitality revenues – while highlighting the continued challenges faced by businesses across the sector.

Hospitality industry sales have returned to pre-pandemic levels, but the industry continues to struggle with staff shortages and soaring costs.

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) has warned of a “perfect storm” for hospitality businesses this summer, after the RMT rail union confirmed a UK-wide signal workers strike next week that will see around 90% of Scottish train services cancelled.

Business groups have called on the Scottish Government to use “unspent” COVID response money to help businesses cope with rising costs, after a report estimated that several billion pounds of funds have not been spent.

Over two thirds of Scottish hospitality and leisure businesses are confident of growth in 2022 despite serious challenges such as staffing and the rising costs, according to Barclays.

Trade group UK Hospitality has implored Scotrail and train drivers’ union Aslef to reach an agreement over pay this week, saying the current reduced train timetable is “harming city centre businesses”.

Operators have an opportunity to contribute to Edinburgh’s upcoming licensing scheme for short-term lets via a new consultation.

The number of licensed premises in Scotland remained reasonably steady in the first year of the pandemic, but the number of personal licences dropped by over 5000, according to new statistics published by the Scottish Government.