Edinburgh MP Tommy Sheppard calls on pub companies to cancel rents during coronavirus lockdown

Landlords risk tens of thousands of arrears

Tommy Sheppard has written to pub companies

EDINBURGH East SNP MP Tommy Sheppard has called on pub companies to cancel rents for landlords during the coronavirus lockdown.

He warned without such a move many landlords would find themselves tens of thousands of pounds in arrears with little chance of paying off the debt.

Mr Sheppard has written to pub companies highlighting the voluntary Scottish Pub Code which refers to assistance for tenants where their business has been “adversely affected by a material change in circumstance beyond their control”,

He said it was hard to think of anything further beyond the control of tenants than the shutdown ordered by the Government in response to Covid-19.

He continued: “There have been a number of supports put in place for pubs which I welcome but the reality is that if rents are not cancelled landlords will face tens of thousands of pounds in rent arrears with very little prospect of paying these debts off.

“Rents are based on turnover so it is difficult to justify continuing to collect rents when there is no turnover due to all pubs being closed.

“Pubs are a vital part of Edinburgh’s culture and economy and I would hope that pub companies would lead by example helping to ensure that many of our favourite pubs survive the current crisis and are able to spring back into action once it ends.”

Real ale campaigners are also urging pub companies to cancel rents.

CAMRA’s Scotland Director Sarah Crawford said: “Publicans shouldn’t be being charged rent if they have no turnover because they have to stay closed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“Pub company bosses must now do the right thing and cancel rent payments for their tied pub tenants, so our locals can survive this crisis, re-open and thrive in the months and years ahead.”