FOR Marshall Bain, president of the STLA, becoming a member of the leading trade association is one of the best decisions a licensed trade operator will make.
Speaking at the SLTA’s Annual Lunch in Glasgow earlier this month, Bain said: “People ask me why join the SLTA – what good does it actually do and what’s in it for me?”
He pointed to:
- The rates cap that saved the industry £40 million last year and another £40 million this year
- Nearly 40 years of perseverance supporting minimum unit pricing
- Pursuing with vigour VAT reduction on tourism, including accommodation and food
- Ongoing opposition to supermarkets
- Working with partners to improve the conditions on tied houses
- New proposed changes to outdoor smoking areas
- Supporting efforts by the Scottish Government to develop new strategies to improve the Scottish diet out of home (OOH) looking at obesity, portion control and calories
- Representing members in the debate over a pending deposit return scheme in Scotland
- SLTA discounts at Booker/Makro
We now work with other trade associations and organisations to strengthen our hand,” Bain continued.
“These include the Scottish Tourism Alliance, British Hospitality Association, VisitScotland, the Thistle Awards, Scottish Licensed Trade News, the United Kingdom and Ireland Licensed Trade Association, Best Bar None, Scottish Bartenders Network, The Ben and our multiple operators.
“Together we have made a difference and our formidable contribution to the Scottish economy has at last been recognised.”