Major change to pub laws from next month as takeaway pints set to be banned

07 August 2023 , 03:21

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Since being implemented in 2020, the government saw fit to extend this special permission twice (Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)

It's bad news for lovers of takeaway pints as pubs are set to be subjected to a major change next month - bringing the practice to an end.

Temporary pandemic licensing rules are set to expire on September 30, three years after landlords were provided special permission to serve customers on the street via hatches after they were forced to close due to lockdown rules.

Since being implemented in 2020, the government saw fit to extend this special permission twice.

However, the permission and any conditions related to it were temporary and the government has confirmed that it will not extend it once again. This means pubs will be unable to continue the 'takeaway' practice from the end of next month.

(NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The British Beer and Pub Association marked the decision as 'disappointing' and said it would force pubs to suffer from a "lengthy application and approval process" , the BBC reports. Chief executive of the Association, Emma McClarkin, said: "We need government to support our pubs and allow them to diversify and innovate, not hold them back with more red tape and unnecessary regulation."

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Because the new permissions granted to pubs were automatic, an application for an off-sales alcohol licence didn't need to be made when the pub already had an on-sales alcohol licence. But once the deadline hits, pubs with an on-site licence will have to get a licence change from their local council in order to keep making takeaway sales.

According to the Home Office, following consultation with local councils, residents' groups, and drink retailers, it appeared the majority were in favour of returning the licencing rules back to pre-Covid conditions. However, the move has been criticised as adding 'red-tape' for businesses.

Chief executive of UKHospitality Kate Nicholls told the BBC : "This decision will raise questions among hospitality businesses about how serious the government is about reducing red-tape for businesses".

Kieran Isgin