Supplementary memorandum from the Brewers'
and Licensed Retailers' Association of Scotland
SCOTTISH TOURISM
The member companies of the Brewers' and Licensed
Retailers' Association of Scotland fully support the need for
a buoyant Scottish Tourist Trade.
Our brewer members supply and distribute their
brands the length and breadth of the country. They support both
rural areas and busy towns.
Our retail members have key sites throughout
the country supported by a significant investment ensuring a quality
offer to visitors to Scotland wishing to sample the many benefits
of the pub experience.
It is therefore concerning to receive reports
of an 11 per cent drop in foreign visitors losing £123 million
in revenue.
There is no doubt the high price of fuel particularly
in rural areas is a major factor in dissuading foreign visitors
to come to Scotland. A continued decline can only impact on to
further loss of revenue to our businesses in Scotland and a risk
of loss of employment.
We would ask petrol duty should at least be
frozen (if indeed not reduced) until there is a level playing
field with the rest of Europe.
As an Association we will continue to play our
part in supporting the Scottish Tourist Industry.
A KEY INITIATIVE
We are currently developing the creation of
a definitive pub register through the internet for visitors to
Scotland. We would, of course, support any initiative using the
strength of our industry to encourage visitors to Scotland.
Brewers' and Licensed Retailers' Association
October 2000
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