MSP backs campaign to  save under-threat pubs

SOUTH of Scotland MSP Craig Hoy is backing his party’s campaign to save the nation's pubs and wider hospitality sector.

Mr Hoy, the Scottish Conservatives' Dumfriesshire candidate, says that pubs and hospitality businesses across the constituency are being 'hammered' by both the SNP and Labour governments’ high taxes and failure to pass on full rates relief in recent years.

He warned it will be 'last orders' for many pubs unless urgent support is provided – and called on the SNP to drop their 'catastrophic' rates revaluation which will lead to bills increasing by 300 per cent for some businesses.

Mr Hoy added that pubs and hospitality businesses are the lifeblood of many Dumfriesshire communities and says that vital jobs will be lost because of the SNP and Labour 'pushing them to the brink of collapse.'

The Moffat-based politician and former businessman said: “Pubs and the wider hospitality sector are really struggling right now due to constant tax rises from both the SNP and Labour governments, as well as the nationalists’ failure to pass on the rates relief available in the rest of the UK.

“If the SNP and Labour do not act now then it will be last orders for many pubs and businesses here in Dumfriesshire.

“The SNP’s business rates revaluation will be catastrophic for many in Dumfriesshire. Ministers must pause the scheme immediately because the eye-watering increases in bills could sound the death knell for local businesses.

“Pubs and hospitality businesses are the lifeblood of communities here, particularly in the many rural areas in Dumfriesshire, and it would be devastating for local jobs and the wider economy if they were forced to shut their doors."