Revolution Bars to close six sites, risking 130 jobs

Revolution Bars plans to close six of its sites, putting 130 jobs at risk, as it turns to creditors for help after the 10pm curfew cut its sales by more than a third.

The aim is to close six bars, and reduce rents at seven others. Picture: contributed.

The company – which in Scotland has sites in Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen and two in Glasgow – said its subsidiary Revolution Bars Limited is to set up a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) as it tries to slash costs. Creditors will vote on November 13 to accept the deal, which includes plans to close six bars, and reduce rents at seven others. The company did not say which six bars are set to be closed.

Chief executive Rob Pitcher said: "The CVA proposed by the group's Revolution Bars Limited subsidiary entity, if agreed by landlords, is another proactive step to lower outgoings to help safeguard the future of the group and improve long-term performance."

Revolution Bars' comparative sales had been bouncing back before the curfew was put into place, reaching nearly 78 per cent of last year's levels in the three weeks before the restriction was introduced. However, since then sales have fallen to less than half of last year's levels, at 49.4 per cent.

Mr Pitcher also said the company had been working to “be in a position to take advantage of opportunities that may arise once restrictions are lifted”.

The company said it expects the important Christmas period to be "severely compromised" and that it will not be possible to return to "near normal levels" before spring at the earliest. The subsidiary, Revolution Bars Limited, runs 50 sites across the UK and has around 2,500 staff.

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