“As Chair of NTIA Scotland, we welcome the Scottish Government’s decision to increase business rates relief from 15% to 40% for eligible hospitality and night-time economy venues. This uplift, championed by the Night Time Industries Association and fellow trade bodies across Scotland, is a significant and long-overdue recognition of the sector’s economic, social and cultural value. However, this announcement must be seen in the context of the legacy of costs borne by our sector after years of insufficient targeted support.

Hospitality and night-time economy venues have absorbed sustained increases in taxation, energy, staffing and regulatory pressures, leaving many businesses financially vulnerable. While the enhanced relief offers some short-term breathing space, the forthcoming revaluations will, without doubt, still result in many venues facing an increased tax burden. Comprehensive, long-term reform of the business rates system remains essential to secure stability, protect jobs and ensure Scotland’s hospitality and night-time economy can recover, invest and grow.”