Aberdeen facing ‘tsunami’ of pub closures amid calls for business rates exemption this year

The Scottish Government has been urged to exempt pubs and hospitality outlets from business rates this year amid a “tsunami” of closures across Aberdeen.

In parliament, North East MSP Liam Kerr called on SNP public finance minister Ivan McKee to pause the rates revaluation process, which is due to come into force in April, resulting in rises of up to 300% in some cases.

Mr Kerr said Aberdeen was “reeling” from yet more closures in the city after the Kittybrewster Bar and the Brig O’ Dee called last orders on trading.

The owners, the Doric Pub Company, said rising costs have made it “impossible” to carry on.

Several other bar and restaurant premises have closed down in Aberdeen so far this year, including Revolucion de Cuba and Smoke and Soul.

In his question to Mr McKee, Scottish Conservative North East MSP Liam Kerr said: “Aberdeen is reeling after the announcement that the Kittybrewster Bar and the Brig O’ Dee will join the ever-expanding list of pubs and hospitality premises which have closed.

“The city is witnessing a tsunami of bar and restaurant closures, with many sighting the SNP’s eye-watering business regime as a cause

“So, will the minister give our hospitality businesses the breathing space they need by backing Scottish Conservative plans to exempt most of them from business rates entirely?”

In his response, Ivan McKee said: “In Aberdeen, the total increase is only 7%.”

Afterwards, Liam Kerr MSP said: “Pubs are the lifeblood of communities in Aberdeen but they are closing at an alarming rate.

“I’m appalled that this SNP government is refusing to pause April’s business rates rise which will send pubs and other hospitality firms into an even deeper crisis.

“It’s vital the Scottish Government exempts them from businesses rates this year before they turn the lights out, lock the door, and walk away.”