- PM Sunak’s Intervention Secures Continuation of Takeaway Pints from Pubs
- COVID Licensing Regulations Extended: Pubs in England and Wales Permitted to Serve To-Go Pints
- Industry Relief and Common Sense Prevail: Reaction to the Decision to Retain Pubs’ Takeaway Alcohol Sales
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is said to have personally intervened to prevent the rules from changing, allowing taverns to continue selling takeaway pints to increase their revenue.
After the government retained COVID licencing restrictions, English and Welsh bars can serve pints to go.
In 2020, when pubs were forced to close due to security restrictions, they were permitted to serve customers through hatches.
Despite the regulations expiring the following month, Rishi Sunak intervened to reverse the judgement.
The Sun newspaper was the first to disclose the news, but Rishi Sunak confirmed the decision on x, formerly Twitter.
“I’ve heard the British pub industry loud and clear: takeaway pints are a boon to their businesses and our economy,” he stated.
Taverns will no longer need council approval to sell alcohol for takeaway.
The Home Office first claimed municipalities, liquor retailers, and residents’ groups sought pre-COVID legislation.
However, industry representatives stated that the decision would increase “unnecessary regulation” with no assurance that councils will approve applications for license modifications for specific establishments.
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) hailed the latest development as a triumph of common sense.
NTIA CEO Michael Kill said the ruling “provides essential relief” to pub owners who rely on off-sales.
He urged the government to “maintain a similar approach in addressing the sector’s ongoing challenges.”
Pubs have struggled to recover from the pandemic as energy costs have risen.
Mr. Sunak, a teetotaler, was heckled as he toured a London beer festival to celebrate alcohol duty reforms, which he claimed were “supporting British pubs.
Instead of wine, beer, spirits, and ciders, alcohol will be taxed by its alcohol concentration.
Some alcoholic beverages, such as wine and gin, will be more expensive as a result. The “Brexit pubs guarantee” will keep draught beer and cider 11p cheaper than store-bought alcohol.
