Sun, 28 Dec 2025

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 Will 'guest beer' rules support small Scottish breweries ?

New rules mean that tenant pubs owned by bigger breweries can now sell a guest beer made by a small independent producer.

* The new "guest beer" rules, introduced as part of the Scottish government's Scottish Pubs Code, allow pub tenants to request and sell at least one independent beer if the building's owner agrees.
* The rules aim to address the issue of pubs being disincentivized by their landlords from selling independent beers due to added costs and red tape.
* So far, the impact of the rules has been mixed, with some breweries reporting increased sales and others experiencing little change.
* Industry experts believe that many small, independent breweries in Scotland can benefit from the rules, but it may take time to see the full impact.
* To gain a foothold in the market, small breweries are advised to focus on making great beer, telling a compelling story about their brand, and running a well-managed business.
* The increased awareness of local products during the COVID-19 pandemic has created an opportunity for local businesses, including breweries, to capitalize on consumer interest in supporting local suppliers.
  >>