Two in three B&B hosts set to quit over SNP’s tourist tax

GUEST HOUSE owners have appealed for ‘time to survive’ amid fears two-thirds may quit the sector as a result of the SNP’s tourism tax.

The legislation will make it mandatory from April for all properties rented out short-term, from castles to spare bedrooms, to have complicated and costly licences.

Operators say they are quitting because of the costs and red tape and have pleaded for a pause to the scheme for at least a year to give them time to implement the necessary measures.

Fiona Campbell, of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, which represents providers of small accommodation such as B&Bs, said: ‘We are exploring if there is scope to pause the transition, which would see licences not required immediately.

‘Businesses would be aware they must be compliant with health and safety conditions and have a chance to get certification.

‘This would be a workable solution to support people through the most challenging economic climate we have ever come across.’

She added: ‘We have had 1,200 replies so far to a survey on people’s intentions in the industry.

‘Sixty-seven per cent say they are considering leaving the sector or are undecided if the local schemes continue in their current form. This survey is specifically linked to the costs people are facing for the extra conditions imposed by local authorities, which are not strictly required under this policy.

‘These costs are tipping people over the edge. All we are asking for is time to survive while we can help to get this legislation right.’

We told last month of fears the moves will ‘sound the death knell’ for B&Bs. Businesses on Orkney – which depends on its short tourism season for much-needed revenue – said the licence conditions had left them with no option but to close.

Julie Richards, 61, a B&B owner in Tankerness, said: ‘The Scottish Government are trying to crack a nut with a sledgehammer with this legislation. They are not listening.

‘The legislation was designed to tackle housing shortages and antisocial behaviour in cities. You are not going to get drug-fuelled disorder at our B&B because it’s our house and we wouldn’t let it happen.’

Other property owners who face going out of business – many of whom operate in Edinburgh – criticised the legislation, which they believe poses a threat to the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe.

Ms Campbell said: ‘The legislation has been written in a way that has been misunderstood and, therefore, misinterpreted by local authorities.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We are taking action to ensure all short-term lets are safe and local authorities have powers to tackle local issues.

‘The principal component of our licensing scheme is a mandatory set of safety standards, which many hosts will already be following. We do not consider them to be onerous.’