Diageo’s Raising the Bar Programme

That the Parliament welcomes the launch of Diageo’s Raising the Bar programme; notes that this $100 million fund is a global scheme that aims to help pubs and bars recover from COVID-19; considers that the support offered by the scheme, including funding for hygiene kits and PPE, and assisting with the provision of online reservations and cashless systems, will help pubs and bars across Central Scotland, and the rest of the country, reopen; notes that the programme was designed by Diageo following a global survey of bar owners asking what support they felt was needed to help them reopen after lockdown; acknowledges that the survey highlighted assistance with hygiene measures, digital technology and provision of equipment were the top priorities of bar and pub owners; recognises the significant impact that COVID-19 has had on pubs and bars, and hopes that the Raising the Bar scheme will help these businesses recover, supporting jobs and local communities.