The pub company’s latest concessions came into effect from 26 December in Wales and 27 December in Scotland, when the restrictions were imposed on hospitality, and will remain under review in the event of any Government policy alterations and additional Government support for the pub sector.
Star Pubs & Bars managing director Lawson Mountstevens said: “The end of 2021 was hugely disappointing for pubs in Scotland and Wales due to the significant additional restrictions they had imposed on them during the festive period, which has been a real body blow to the industry.
Best support
“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.”
Pubs in Scotland and Wales have been restricted by table service and one metre social distancing since the end of 2021 with no definitive answer as to when these restrictions will be lifted provided to date.
Since March 2020, Star Pubs & Bars stated it had provided its pubs with £62m in rent support as well as collecting unopened kegs at no extra cost to licensees and investing in health and safety for its premises throughout the pandemic.
Unpredictable times
Mountstevens added: “We’re living through unpredictable times which are challenging for individual pubs and for the industry as a whole.
“However, we have sought to be consistent in the rent support we provide our licensees while Government restrictions are in place.
“Throughout the pandemic we have endeavoured to be fair, equitable and transparent with our rent support and will continue to be so.
“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.”
