SCOTT WRIGHT
GERALD Michaluk, managing director of Arran Brewery, has vowed to lobby the Scottish Government over the impact Scotland's new drink drive limit is having on rural pubs.
Speaking as he succeeded Fyne Ales' Tuggy Delap as Scottish chairman of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), Mr Michaluk said the lower legal limit introduced in December is having a dramatic effect on business for some operators.
He said: "The reduction in the drink driving limit has many implications, especially for rural pubs, who according to reports are being decimated partly by this and partly by the weather. People are unsure.
"The real sting in the tail is this thing about a criminal charge. It is a very difficult and emotive subject. It is similar to the rest of Europe's drink driving laws, but at the same time I don't think they are as well policed in these countries as they are here.
"If we bring in new legislation we also have to look at restructuring the penalties as well. It is not good news for rural pubs who rely on people taking a small amount of beer then they have their lunch."
Mr Michaluk has stepped up to the chairman's post at SIBA's Scottish branch following a restructuring at the organisation, which represents more than 40 breweries in Scotland. With some 85 breweries operating in Scotland, it is targeting membership growth of 20 per cent this year.
Mr Michaluk, who is on the national executive of SIBA, said: "There is a whole new programme coming in which is going to be very exciting for brewing in the whole of the UK and Scotland I hope is going to punch well above its weight."
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