The British public faced a lot of tough news last week. As well as the devastating announcement that our beloved Wilko had officially gone under, we were told that come September, pubs would no longer be able to sell takeaway pints without applying for a separate licence.
But following criticism from the British Beer and Pub Association, the government has reversed its decision. Temporary licensing rules left over from the pandemic in England and Wales will be extended for another 18 months. That means you can still enjoy a pint to go beyond September.
The rules, which came into place in July 2020, allowed pubs to serve takeaway beer from their windows without having to apply to their local council for permission. The relaxed regulations aimed to help keep places afloat during the lockdown as, according to UK Hospitality, almost 10,000 licensed premises permanently closed and over £87bn in sales was lost as a result of the pandemic.
Speaking on the decision to keep the relaxed rules (which comes as the government increases alcohol duties) Rishi Sunak said that he was determined to provide pubs with ‘the support they need after weathering the storm of the pandemic as we grow our economy’.
He added: ‘That’s why we’re cutting unnecessary red tape so that customers can enjoy a takeaway pint or alfresco drink without businesses facing extra burdens.’
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: ‘This simple change has allowed pubs to offer takeaway options and host a greater range of events for their communities in recent years.’
Did you see that the UK’s strictest pub is closing?
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