Scottish Government Public House Table Service Restrictions Fund
The Scottish Government Public House Table Service Restrictions Fund will provide financial support to public houses that were required to introduce table service to help control the COVID Omicron variant from December 2021.
Is my business eligible?
- Applicants must be licensed and be trading as a public house. Other hospitality registered businesses, nightclubs, licenced clubs, restaurants and cafes will not be classed as eligible for this additional funding.
- The business must only function as a public house.
- Public sector or arm’s length external organisations (ALEOs) are not eligible.
- Individual ratepayers with more than one business may receive an award for each eligible registered business entity.
It is for a local authority to determine if a business meets the eligibility description.
How much is the grant?
The grant is a one-off payment at the rate of:
- £2,500 for a business with a rateable value of £51,000 or less
- £5,000 for a business with a rateable value of over £51,001
The rateable value of the property is considered to be as per local authority records on 1 November 2021.
What is the application process?
Local authorities will contact businesses directly and make payments within 14 days of establishing eligibility from the data provided.
All public houses will need to confirm that:
- the business has a licence to sell alcohol in an indoor setting and trades as a public house
- the business has physical premises and the only business operating from the premises is a public house
- the business owner is the main occupier
- the business owner is responsible for paying non-domestic rates (NDR)
- the business was operating as an eligible business as at 20 December 2021, open as usual and that trading was impacted by the announcement of the public health measures from 27 December 2021 to 23 January 2022 inclusive.
Local authorities will have discretion to award grants to eligible businesses which lease or rent premises and pay NDR through their rent/lease, provided they are satisfied with the validity and eligibility of individual cases.
How will the local authority check eligibility criteria?
- Being registered for NDR will be the main way to do this and the application process will request the unique identifier number for this.
- Local authorities may also ask for details about the business owner/s and evidence of premises being used as a public house such as licensing details.
The business must be actively trading and be able to demonstrate they were on 20 December 2021. Where necessary, local authorities can request additional evidence to determine this eligibility such as receipts, bank statements or other evidence.
Provided they meet all the eligibility criteria, businesses which are limited companies (including social enterprises), sole traders, trusts, partnerships, community interest companies or Scottish charitable incorporated organisations may apply for a grant.
Other details will be required to allow payment to be made such as bank account details and proof of access to this.
When does the fund close?
The fund will close on 14 February 2022.
https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/funding/public-house-table-service-restrictions-fund
The information in this blog provides only an overview of Scottish Government guidance and legislation in force at the date of publication and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed Scottish Government guidance and legislation or seeking professional advice. Therefore no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained in this blog can be accepted by the firm.
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