Nearly half of Scottish voters say government policy is to blame when a local pub shuts its doors, according to new research published ahead of the local elections.
The polling, carried out by the Long Live the Local campaign alongside More in Common, highlights growing public concern over the future of pubs and the role they play in community life.
Findings show that 48 percent of people in Scotland point to either national or local government as a key factor behind closures, placing political decisions firmly in the spotlight.
At the same time, more than one in four voters said the most impactful step government could take would be to make business rates fairer for pubs, reflecting pressure on operating costs across the sector.
Despite strong public feeling, the research suggests many voters do not believe their representatives are doing enough to respond.
Only 10 percent said their MP had spoken up for pubs, while just 7 percent felt their MP was doing enough to protect them.
The figures paint a clear picture of frustration, particularly as pubs continue to face rising costs and changing economic conditions.
Campaigners argue that the findings should serve as a warning to politicians, with the sector carrying both economic weight and deep social value.
Emma McClarkin said there is still significant work to be done despite recent support.
“Despite recent important support from the Government and the many MPs across all political parties that champion pubs and brewers, voters clearly believe that there is still more to be done.
“Pubs are the soul of the community, create jobs, and, with a quarter of a million people joining our Long Live the Local campaign that supports the people behind the pint, including thousands in Scotland, it’s no wonder people care about them so much.
“What the public want is a fair tax system for pubs, one that keeps business competitive and recognises their unique role as valuable spaces for communities across the country.
“With the local elections right around the corner, it’s key for candidates to recognise just how important pubs are for so many and to back their local.
“We’re calling on the Government to continue to work with us and deliver permanent business rates reform, lower employment costs, cut beer duty and VAT to save countless locals who are burdened with huge regulatory costs.”
Luke Tryl said the polling reflects a wider public concern.
“One thing comes through really strongly in this polling, the British public really care about pubs, they think they are a central part of their community and they don’t think the Government is doing enough to protect them.
“In fact, over half of British voters blame national or local government for pub closures and want to see politicians at all levels doing more to stand up for them.
“At a time when the Government already finds itself struggling with a restless electorate a wave of further pub closures will only reinforce the frustration that those in charge are unable or unwilling to deliver for local communities across Britain.
“On the flipside taking action on issues like rates is one way the Government can show that it gets it, recognises the value of pubs and gets the public back onside.”
The Long Live the Local campaign, launched by the Scottish Beer and Pub Association in 2018, now has more than 250,000 supporters across the UK and continues to push for greater recognition of the pressures facing pubs.
As the elections approach, the message from voters appears clear, with growing expectation that those in power will act to protect one of the country’s most valued social spaces.
New research suggests Scottish voters see government policy as a key factor in pub closures, with calls growing for fairer business rates and stronger political support to protect local venues at the heart of communities.
