- The ASSC conducted a Scotland-wide sectoral survey relating to issues concerning the impact that STL licensing would have on the Bed and Breakfast accommodation sector.
- The online survey elicited over 300 responses from Bed and Breakfast operators in Scotland.
- The results offer valuable insights into the experiences and problems faced by Scottish Bed and Breakfast operators and the threat this licensing will have on valuable micro businesses.
Survey Overview
- The ASSC gathered data from Bed and Breakfast Businesses to ascertain the percentage of businesses that would fall into Use Class Order 9 (residential) and fall within the scope of the regulations and gain insights into how this legislation would affect them.
- The ASSC ran an online survey consisting of 11 questions. This was publicised via the ASSC’s social media pages on Twitter and Facebook and shared across the tourism sector in Scotland.
- In just 48 hours, the survey generated 308 responses.
- The full list of questions and survey results are set out below. It also includes examples of powerful testimony from individual respondents relating to their current difficulties and why this legislation is not fit for purpose, and is damaging to the bed and breakfast sector.
Summary
It is hoped that the survey results will inform The Local Government and Communities Committee regarding the impact of this Legislation on Bed and Breakfast Operators in Scotland, as well as what changes are necessary to protect livelihoods to businesses which are a key component part of Scotland’s tourism offering.
Some of the key findings include:
- 88% of respondents have businesses in rural / semi-rural / island locations across Scotland
- 78% of businesses have been operating over 3 years, with 20% of businesses over 15 years, one business has been operating for over 37 years
- 76% of Bed and Breakfasts fall in UCO9 (residential) compared to 24% UCO7 (Guest House) Therefore, 76% will be required to obtain a licence
- 39% of respondents believe that any additional licence fee would render their business unviable.
- While, 55% of respondents believe it would have a negative impact on their business
- Bed and Breakfast Operators in Scotland do not have positive outlook: 85% are feeling pessimistic or very pessimistic about their business over next 6 months, and 73% over the next 12 months.
Read The Survey in Full:
The Impact of STL Licensing on the B&B Sector in Scotland