SBPA names Edith Monfries as president

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) has named Edith Monfries, COO at the pub company Hawthorn, as its new president.

Monfries takes over the position at the trade association for Scottish pubs and brewers from the outgoing Brian Davidson.

She will be tasked with working alongside the Scottish Government to support the sector’s recovery and long-term future.

Monfries said: “I am proud of my Scottish roots, so it’s an honour to become president of the SBPA, an organisation which plays such an important role in providing a voice for our sector. 

“Pubs are a crucial part of Scotland’s social fabric, and I’m looking forward to working alongside the many talented and hardworking members of the SBPA to protect and promote the beer and pub sectors in Scotland.”

She added that the industry faces a number of challenges, including the Ties Pubs Bill which, if passed, will have a “devastating impact” on Scotland’s tied pubs.

With experience operating over 100 pubs across the country, Monfries will reportedly be “invaluable” to the organisation.

Emma McClarkin, CEO at the SBPA, said: “I am delighted that Edith is joining us as president. It has never been a more pivotal time for breweries and pubs in Scotland as they face the huge task of rebuilding their businesses following a devastating year. 

“I speak on behalf of all members when I say how grateful we are to Brian Davidson as his tenure as president comes to close, for championing pubs and breweries in Scotland on behalf of SBPA so passionately and effectively.”