Heineken announces £3.08m investment in Scottish pubs

Heineken, which has its UK headquarters in Edinburgh, has announced that it will be investing £3.08m to upgrade 27 pubs within its Star Pubs estate, in Scotland this year.

The brewing giant expects 85 new jobs to be created as a result. Of the 27 pubs, 14 are set to benefit from major renovations.  A further 18 pubs have been identified for future refurbishments. 

Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs’ managing director, said: “Pubs are a fantastic institution, admired the world over. We’re proud to be a leading investor in Scotland’s locals and to be playing a part in securing their future along with our dedicated and entrepreneurial licensees. 

“Investment is essential if pubs are to remain a first choice for people looking for somewhere to socialise. It is also critical for pubs needing to generate extra revenue to fund the sustained increases in running costs they’ve faced in recent years.

“However, we can only do so much: the root-and-branch reform of business rates that the industry has been calling for over many years is urgently required, as well as a lowering of the burden of taxation on pubs – including VAT and beer duty. We would ask the Scottish government to work with us in delivering these reforms. 

“Importantly, this investment will create flexible job opportunities and give many young people their first taste of the world of work.” 

www.heineken.co.uk