By Scott Wright
ONE of the UK’s biggest pub landlords has increased to £2 million the level of support it has provided to its tenants in Scotland through rent discounts since the coronavirus crisis began.
Star Pubs and Bars, owned by Dutch brewing giant Heineken, said yesterday that it has extended rent relief for its 240 tied and tenanted pubs north of the Border as the licensed trade in Scotland continues to face an uncertain future because of the pandemic.
The Scottish Government route map outlining Scotland’s proposed exit from lockdown envisages pubs being able to open beer gardens and outdoor areas from June 18, as long as social distancing measures are observed. It would be three weeks at the earliest after that when indoor areas can be open.
The latest relief provided by Star, part of a UK-wide package it says is worth £21m, builds on the rent concessions the company has offered since March 20. Rent discounts ranging from 50 per cent to 90% have been provided on a pub-by-pub basis since lockdown was enforced.
As well as rent relief, the pub company has pledged to re-stock pubs in time for reopening, and has created a website where tenants can access information on government advice and on how to adapt their offer in response to the current situation. It is also working with pubs on reopening plans, including access to an app that will allow customers to order from tables.
Neil Douglas, leaseholder of Ardnamurchan bar and restaurant in Glasgow, said the rent reduction has allowed him to focus on plans for reopening, which have included the creation of 21 discrete drinking and dining spaces, separated by screens.
Mr Douglas said: “We’ve taken the opportunity to completely redecorate Ardnamurchan during the lockdown and put in place measures so that customers can comfortably and easily socially distance.”
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