Beer Below, an independent bar on West Regent Street in Glasgow, has announced its temporary closure, resulting in several staff layoffs. The move, reported by Glasgow Live, highlights the mounting strain on the city’s hospitality sector as venues grapple with rising operating costs, staff shortages, and increased taxes.
Nunzio Rosso, co-owner of Beer Below, explained, “We had no alternative but to close Beer Below and lay off the staff that were working there.” He described the closure as a last resort in response to financial pressures affecting many local businesses.
This decision is the latest in a growing list of Glasgow venues forced to shut down, reflecting wider challenges across Scotland’s hospitality industry. According to recent reports, a 5% rise in taxes on pubs and bars could add up to £70million in extra costs annually, with smaller, independent venues especially vulnerable as large franchises expand their presence.
The industry continues to recover from the pandemic, but ongoing cost increases and changes to employer national insurance contributions are making it more difficult for businesses to remain open or keep staff. A recent survey indicates that nearly 6% of licensed hospitality venues in Scotland are considering closure in 2025, and almost 40% of outlets report that staffing shortages are now limiting their trading hours.
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The Scottish Licensed Trade Association has called for greater support measures, proposing a dedicated hospitality workers’ visa to help address staff shortages and safeguard jobs in this vital sector.
Despite some outlets managing to stay profitable, the outlook is challenging. As more local workers face redundancy, independent hospitality venues like Beer Below are at increasing risk, raising concerns for the future of Glasgow’s renowned nightlife scene
