Rates rise worry for Scottish hoteliers
01 January 2000
The Scottish hospitality industry is worried that changes may be made to the business rating system resulting in higher rates for Scottish hotels and restaurants.
The British Hospitality Association's Scottish division believes that the uniform business rate could be at risk, particularly when responsibility is handed to the proposed Scottish Parliament.
John Loudon, secretary of the BHA's Scottish division, has now written to Scottish Secretary Donald Dewar seeking a meeting.
"Historically, commercial rates have always been higher in Scotland than England, and we have fought long and hard to achieve parity," said Loudon.
"We still estimate that Scottish hotels and restaurants pay about 10% more than their English counterparts."
