Members’ Business: Supporting Scotland's Pubs

Jamie Langan S7M-01702 That the Parliament notes with sadness the closure of The Crown Inn in Biggar, a historic public house dating back to 1650, which closed its doors in October after serving the local community for generations; recognises the contribution made by its owners and all their staff over the years; notes that The Crown Inn was named CAMRA Lanarkshire Pub of the Year in 2016 and was widely regarded as an important landmark in the town; believes that traditional country pubs play a vital role in fostering community spirit and identity; expresses concern at the growing number of pub closures across Scotland amid rising operating costs, taxation and what it sees as excessive regulations and bureaucracy; believes that Scotland's pubs form an integral part of Scotland's cultural heritage; notes reported concerns that policy making in recent years has too often treated pubs primarily as a public health problem rather than recognising them as vital community institutions; believes that social drinking is a normal and valued part of British life, and notes calls for the Scottish Government to champion rather than penalise Scotland's traditional pubs and the communities they serve. Further details available for S7M-01702