Takeaway pints to stay as Covid rules extended - but pubs warn of tax misery

14 August 2023 , 13:37

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The Government has announced that Covid rules allowing pubs to serve takeaway pints won't be scrapped (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Pubs in England and Wales will be allowed to carry on serving takeaway pints after the Government decided not to scrap rules brought in during the Covid crisis.

The move comes as Rishi Sunak tries to woo an industry he has a difficult relationship with, after being heckled while pouring a pint earlier this month. Publicans have welcomed the decision, but said the Government must go further on cutting taxes they warn are holding them back.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said many publicans are forced to pay extra duty on takeaway pints, and demanded a re-think. Businesses were first permitted to serve customers through hatches back in 2020 when lockdown rules meant indoor gatherings weren't permitted. These rules were set to expire next month, but ministers have decided to keep them in place.

Rishi Sunak was heckled over tax changes as he poured a pint earlier this month (Getty Images)

Announcing takeaway drinks are here to stay, Mr Sunak said: "I've heard the British pub industry loud and clear - takeaway pints are a boost for their businesses and our economy. That's why they're here to stay."

The move, which was aimed at helping the crippled hospitality sector boost sales during Covid, has already been extended twice. It means establishments will not need to make a separate application to local councils for the extra licence needed for off-site sales.

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Many pubs and bars have struggled to recover following the pandemic as they face rising energy and other costs and concerns over falling sales amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Troubled Mr Sunak has insisted his tax reforms centre on "backing British pubs" and that businesses and consumers will benefit, despite the increases on wine, vodka and canned beer. The new system aims to encourage drinkers to cut back by taxing all alcohol based on its strength.

Whisky distillers described the changes as a "hammer blow" and brewers warned of a tax hike on bottles and cans but the Prime Minister said the overhaul was "the most radical simplification of alcohol duties for over 140 years".

CAMRA Chief Executive Tom Stainer said: “It’s a good sign that the Government has listened and decided to backtrack on their plans to end the automatic permission for pubs to make off-sales. We hope that they have also been listening very carefully to the trade and consumers, who are also calling for a relaxation of the new tax rules around draught takeaway sales, which restrict many publicans from selling takeaway beer and cider regardless of whether their license allows them to do so.

"This is because the new rules force them to buy separate containers of draught beers and ciders, with a higher rate of duty paid on them if they want to sell them for takeaway. We are hopeful that the Government will remove these unnecessary restrictions soon.”

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Nina Lloyd