Research on the pub sector in Scotland phase 1: scoping study

Annex 9: Ministerial Letter of Support to the Project

11th November 2015

I announced in the Scottish Parliament on 20 May that the Scottish Government intended to carry out an independent study into the Pub sector to look at the various pub models that are operating in Scotland and investigate whether parts of the sector face an unfair disadvantage, compared to others, and provide recommendations for future action.

For this study to be successful, it will require the expertise of stakeholders who have knowledge of the sector to advise the appointed contractor and the willingness of publicans to be interviewed and reveal information which may be considered commercially sensitive. Importantly, the study will provide an evidence base which will assist Scottish Ministers in coming to a view as to whether legislation is/is not required to regulate the operation of Pub Companies (Pub Companies) in Scotland or other parts of the Scottish pub sector. It should be understood that the Scottish Government has not come to a view on this issue, and the purpose of this study is to help us in our deliberations.

CGA Strategy Ltd were the successful bidder to carry out this research through a competitive tender process. Those participating and providing advice to CGA Strategy Ltd should be assured that neither industry nor government will be privy to commercially sensitive information given to the researchers which would identify an individual or company. As a consequence, those participating should feel sure that information provided by them will be treated in a confidential manner by the contractor and that anonymity will be ensured when presenting findings.

Given the importance of this research, I would urge all those who are approached by CGA Strategy Ltd to support their work on this project and that companies and individuals use their networks to encourage greater participation.

Yours Sincerely

Fergus Ewing