Star Pubs & Bars invests £2.8m in rent reductions

Star Pubs & Bars has invested a further £2.8m investment in its rent concession programme throughout November for its leased and tenanted pubs.

Further investment in the programme will be subject to review on a monthly basis from Star Pubs & Bars.

The pub company’s total investment in rent reductions currently stands at £27.8m.

Pubs will receive either a 30%, 35% or 50% reduction ‘‘depending on their individual circumstances.’’

The company confirmed it would continue to review rents in areas where there are local lockdowns and is cancelling rents entirely for over 100 pubs which are forced to close in Scotland’s central belt from today (9 October).

Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs & Bars’ managing director, said: ‘‘We’re committed to helping our licensees through these uncertain times and reducing rent is central to the support we’re providing. 

‘‘The introduction of the 10pm curfew and additional restrictions in many areas are impacting consumer confidence and are a major blow to licensees who have worked so hard to get their pubs safely back up and running.’’

He added: ‘‘Alongside the whole industry, we’re urging the Government to put further financial assistance in place to offset these measures and to clarify their plans as a matter of urgency in order to bring some much-needed certainty to the hospitality sector and prevent further business closures.’’