The Scottish Beer & Pub Association is standing up for pubs north of the border, a sector which, it claims has paid substantially more in business rates than their English counterparts with differences ranging from £11,095 to more than £210,000. With rates bills for 2026–27 due to be finalised shortly, the SBPA says early clarity from the Scottish Government is essential for both businesses and local authorities.
The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has called on the Scottish Government to ensure that the recent business rates support for pubs in England are fully passed on north of the border.
The association says pubs across Scotland continue to face sustained cost pressures and argues that directing the funding to the sector, in line with its original purpose, would deliver vital and targeted relief at a critical moment.
Paul Togneri, SBPA Senior Policy Manager for Scotland, said: “Business rates remain one of the most significant fixed costs for pubs. The Barnett consequentials, linked to the UK Government’s decision represent a timely opportunity to direct meaningful support to Scotland’s pubs, support that is urgently needed across the country.
“We are asking the Scottish Government to allocate these funds solely to the pub sector and live music venues, as in England, as well as further support, ensuring they deliver the maximum benefit for pubs that play a unique role in local economies, high streets and communities across Scotland.”
From April 2026, changes to the business rates framework in England, including the introduction of new Retail, Hospitality & Leisure (RHL) multipliers, will lead to increased divergence between the two systems. Scotland does not currently operate sector-specific multipliers, meaning many Scottish pubs face higher effective business rates than comparable premises elsewhere in the UK.
Analysis shows that over the three financial years from 2023-24 to 2025-26, pubs in Scotland with typical rateable values have already paid substantially more in business rates than their English counterparts, with differences ranging from £11,095 to more than £210,000, depending on rateable value.
Togneri argued: “We value the constructive engagement the sector has had with Ministers and appreciate previous commitments to supporting hospitality. Given the tight billing timetable, early confirmation that the consequential funding will be directed to Scotland’s pubs would provide much needed certainty and help safeguard local jobs, connected communities, investment and the long-term competitiveness of the sector.”
The SBPA has offered to meet Ministers at the earliest opportunity to discuss delivery options and share the latest data from operators.
It contends that over the last three financial years (2023–24 to 2025–26), pubs with typical rateable values have paid significantly more in business rates in Scotland than in England. The association warns that without action from the Scottish Government, this cumulative gap will increase further in the coming years.
The Scottish question
Paul Togneri said… “Business rates remain one of the most significant fixed costs for pubs. The Barnett consequentials, linked to the UK Government’s decision represent a timely opportunity to direct meaningful support to Scotland’s pubs, support that is urgently needed across the country…
Originally published on Coinslot on February 9, 2026. Republished with permission.