THE deposit return scheme should pay the same for hospitality firms as it does for retailers, a leading pub body has said.
The scheme, which will see people pay a small deposit of 20p when they buy a beverage in a single-use container and claim it back when they return the receptacle, is due to kick off in April 2021.
The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) has lobbied for the handling fees of cans, platic and glass bottles to be the same for bars and restaurants as they are for shops. Currently, regulations state retailers' payments will be based on more criteria than bars and restaurants.
Writing to Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham, the SBPA said more cash will have to be paid to Scotland's pubs to cover the increase in storage needs.
READ MORE: Holyrood urged to demand more from bottle deposit scheme
SBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: "There is no question that we all must make a concerted effort to reduce waste and improve the circular economy, and the SBPA backs the Government's ambitions for a world-leading deposit return scheme.
"However to make the desired environmental change, it has to be workable for consumers and businesses. There still remain some serious challenges and inflexibility in the regulations as currently proposed, which risks the future success of the system.
"Protections must be given to our pubs, who have faced numerous headwinds over the last decade and have continually been asked to adapt whilst facing increased costs.
"We welcome that pubs that already operate a closed-loop system, whereby empty containers are retained on the premises, do not need to charge on the deposit to consumers or operate as a return point.
"However, these containers will now need to be stored separately and securely to ensure the publican can redeem deposits they will be charged.
"This requires additional space and associated cost and the proposed hospitality fee does not reflect this."
Legislation for the deposit return scheme was laid at Holyrood in September.
Schemes like the one planned for Scotland are already in operation around the world, and help tackle climate change and reduce litter.
Some 77% of Scots want a deposit return scheme, according to Zero Waste Scotland.
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