
The voice of scottish brewers & pubs
We are the leading trade body representing brewers and pubs in Scotland
We champion issues and causes our members are passionate about; whether it’s promoting great beer or campaigning against beer duty rises, we represent our fantastic brewers and locals.
SBPA’s Holyrood manifesto
The Scottish Beer and Pub Association launched Raising a Glass to Growth, Scottish Communities, and Our Planet—our manifesto ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election—setting out practical measures to secure the future of Scotland’s pubs and brewers.
Fix the business rates imbalance
Fix the business rates imbalance for pubs through the forthcoming independent review, with additional, sector‑specific relief until reforms take effect.
Back No and Low alcohol growth
Recognising these products as important tools for moderating consumption and improving choice.
Pilot the reintroduction of alcohol in football stadia
Pilot the reintroduction of alcohol in football stadia for general spectators as part of a route map to full, safe, and well‑managed return.
Put pubs at the heart of Scotland’s tourism and wellbeing strategies
Acknowledging their role in local economies, social connection, and mental health.
Reject blanket bans or new restrictions on advertising
Reject blanket bans or new restrictions on alcohol advertising and promotion, to provide certainty for businesses and protect investment—while excluding No and Low from any future proposals.
Read SBPA’s Manifesto
Beyond our five main priorities, the manifesto outlines wider proposals on skills, digital adoption, sustainability, and community wellbeing designed to unlock growth across every constituency in Scotland.


World Cup 2026 Guidance
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a major opportunity to attract customers who want to watch live football matches in the great atmosphere provided by pubs and bars. The tournament will be played from 11th June, culminating in the final on Sunday 19th July.
If you are planning to show FIFA World Cup 2026 games in your pub this summer, you may well already have management practices in place to deal with any issues that arise. If not, the advice below is intended to be helpful and concise guidance to ensure that you have busy and successful events over the tournament.
Challenge 25
The SBPA’s Challenge 25 scheme has been raising awareness among publicans and their staff of the need to be vigilant in preventing underage sales. The scheme serves as a reminder to customers that it is against the law to purchase alcohol if you are under 18, or to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone who is under 18.
You can also save and download the Fruit Machine Challenge 25 posters below:

Key Briefings
- SBPA General Briefing
- Scotland Business Rates
- MSP Briefing
- Scottish Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP)
SBPA General Briefing
The Scottish pub and brewing sector supports over 65,000 jobs from grain to glass and provides great career opportunities and flexible working in all parts of the country.
Contributing £2.3 billion to the economy (GVA) and generating £1.4 billion in tax. Sector growth will underpin Scottish economic growth.
Despite its importance to the Scottish economy, the brewing and pub sector is among the most highly taxed of any business sector accounting for 40% of brewers’ turnover and £1 in every £3 spent in the pub.
Scotland Business Rates
For Scottish pubs and hospitality businesses, business rates remain a major cost pressure, driven primarily by property values rather than trading performance.
Following the April 2026 revaluation, many premises have seen increases in rateable values, with bills shaped by a three‑tier poundage system (48.1p basic rate up to £51,000 RV, rising to 54.8p for larger properties).
While the Scottish Government has reduced poundage rates to offset valuation shifts, this does not fully mitigate liability increases where values have risen significantly, particularly in high‑value urban locations. For the sector, support is limited but hospitality premises receive a 40% relief (capped per business) available for properties with a rateable value up to £100,000.
Transitional relief will phase in the steepest increases over several years, but this primarily delays rather than removes higher liabilities.
MSP Briefing
The 2026 Scottish Parliament election resulted in half of the 129 MSPs elected being new to Holyrood. The SBPA wrote to all members shortly after the election with a briefing highlighting the economic contribution made by the sector and the major issues facing brewers and pubs in Scotland at the moment.
Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP)
In April 2024 the Scottish Parliament votes to keep MUP and increase the minimum price from 50p to 65p per unit. The beer and pub sector is committed to reducing the harmful use of alcohol. However, pricing and taxation are blunt instruments to achieve this, penalising those on low incomes and responsible drinkers.
- Team

President

CEO

Chief Strategy & Delivery Officer

Senior Policy Manager
The work of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association is also supported by the colleagues at the British Beer and Pub Association.
Resources & Action

Armed Forces Covenant
We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to support serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and military families across the industry.
By signing the Covenant we pledge to recognise the skills, experiences, and contributions of the Armed Forces community, and help the sector ensure the community faces no disadvantage in accessing employment, services, or opportunities.

The Open to All Charter
The Charter was developed with the BBPA’s members to promote workplaces that attract and retain a diverse workforce.
By committing to inclusive recruitment, fair treatment and strong support for employees, the Charter strengthens the sector’s ability to develop skilled teams and create sustainable employment opportunities.

Challenge 21 and Challenge 25
The BBPA’s Challenge 21 scheme has been raising awareness among publicans and their staff of the need to be vigilant in preventing underage sales for over 20 years. The scheme serves as a reminder to customers that it is against the law to purchase alcohol if you are under 18, or to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone who is under 18.

World Cup Guidance
Our World Cup guidance, produced in partnership with UKHospitality, the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), the Local Government Association and the National Police Chiefs’ Council aims to encourage police, licensing authorities and the licensed trade to work together to ensure the safe and successful showing of football tournaments in pubs.

Long Live the Local
Our Long Live The Local Campaign exists to save pubs in communities across the UK through reducing the unfair tax burden on our sector.
Add your support, it only takes two minutes but could help your beloved local stay open.

Joint Member Survey
Each quarter, the BBPA along with other hospitality trade bodies (the British Institute of Innkeeping, Hospitality Ulster and UKHospitality) survey our members across a range of topics to gauge sentiment and collect data on business operations.
The responses represent approximately a wide range of hospitality sites across the UK.

Latest Employment & Skills Consultations
The government is seeking views through open consultations related to employment and workforce policy as part of its Employment Rights Act.

England Pub Business Rates Calculator
We have developed a practical and easy to use calculator to help publicans estimate what their business rates are likely to be.



