Will ‘Guest Beer’ Rules Support Small Scottish Breweries?
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Daniel Bennett and Ian Hamilton
BBC Scotland
Vinny Rosario, founder of Moonwake Beer Co. in Leith, highlights the challenge smaller breweries face against established brands: It’s fluctuating, and it’s been hard the last couple of years. As part of a community of around 150 small, independent breweries in Scotland, Vinny is keenly aware of the implications of the new guest beer rules, designed to help these breweries thrive in a competitive market.
Understanding the Guest Beer Regulations
Since the introduction of the guest beer rules in July 2025, the landscape for Scottish breweries has seen opportunities and challenges. The new regulations permit tenant pubs—those owned by larger breweries but operated by external managers—to serve at least one beer from an independent producer, contingent upon the owner’s agreement.
– Market Dynamics: There are a lot of breweries in Scotland, but there are also a lot of beer drinkers, notes Vinny. On average, Moonwake produces between 7,000 and 10,000 litres of beer each week. Despite the potential for increased visibility, Vinny emphasizes the struggle to compete with larger brands that have better market access and ownership of pub networks.
– Disincentives for Pubs: Vinny adds, There was a lot of hope and hype, but pubs can be disincentivized by their landlords. There’s a lot of red tape, and they often don’t want any more added to their bottom line.
The Potential of Guest Beers
The aim of the guest beer changes is straightforward: to diversify the offerings available in pubs and support the smaller breweries that produce unique and quality beverages. Stuart McMahon, the Scottish Director for CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), believes that the current demand for interesting and high-quality beers has reached an all-time high.
– Variety and Consumer Choice: The hope is this scheme will allow pubs to introduce a wider range of beers, Stuart says. With over 150 breweries in Scotland—many operating out of garages—this initiative could give them a platform to reach more consumers.
Industry insiders suggest there is burgeoning interest in serving guest beers, though they stress it won’t resolve all challenges immediately. Jamie Delap, managing director of Fyne Ales and representative of the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), remarks, It’s definitely making a difference on the edge, although he cautions that the long-term impact remains uncertain.
Optimism for the Future of Small Breweries
Despite the hurdles, Jamie encourages optimism for Scotland’s breweries. Making beer, selling beer, it’s good fun. You have to be optimistic. The market is going in the right direction; we are making beers consumers want to drink.
He stresses the importance of storytelling alongside quality brews:
– You’ve got to do three things right: make great beer, have a compelling story to tell, and run a sound business. If the business doesn’t work, you won’t be in it for long.
Vinny acknowledges the shift in consumer behavior sparked by the pandemic; people have become increasingly aware of local options—not only in beer but also in butchery and baking. This newfound appreciation for local produce presents a unique opportunity for smaller breweries under the guest beer model.
As interest in local products grows, small Scottish breweries stand at a pivotal crossroads, armed with stories waiting to be told, as they leverage the benefits of the guest beer rules to gain a stronger foothold in the market.