Supporting Scotland's Pubs

That the Parliament notes with sadness the closure of The Crown Inn in Biggar, a historic public house dating back to 1650, which closed its doors in October after serving the local community for generations; recognises the contribution made by its owners and all their staff over the years; notes that The Crown Inn was named CAMRA Lanarkshire Pub of the Year in 2016 and was widely regarded as an important landmark in the town; believes that traditional country pubs play a vital role in fostering community spirit and identity; expresses concern at the growing number of pub closures across Scotland amid rising operating costs, taxation and what it sees as excessive regulations and bureaucracy; believes that Scotland's pubs form an integral part of Scotland's cultural heritage; notes reported concerns that policy making in recent years has too often treated pubs primarily as a public health problem rather than recognising them as vital community institutions; believes that social drinking is a normal and valued part of British life, and notes calls for the Scottish Government to champion rather than penalise Scotland's traditional pubs and the communities they serve.