Pubs across England and Wales are set to retain the ability to sell takeaway beverages as the government opted to maintain Covid-related licensing regulations. These regulations initially permitted them to serve customers via hatches when they were compelled to close under pandemic-related legislation in 2020.
Originally slated to conclude on September 30, these regulations will now remain in effect until March 2025, in a bid to safeguard the industry from financial distress. This extension had been previously lengthened twice during the pandemic. While this temporary extension is in place, the government has expressed its commitment to finding a “permanent solution” that optimally supports local pubs and bars.
The Sun newspaper, which broke the story, cited an insider as stating that the prime minister had attentively heeded the industry’s concerns. This decision, introduced in July 2020, allows pubs lacking off-premises licenses to vend takeaway alcohol without necessitating approval from local councils. Moreover, they are granted permission to sell alcohol on the street within the limits of any pavement licenses they might hold—a provision that will persist beyond September.
This alteration permitted pubs to continue trading despite Covid restrictions. Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, representing over 20,000 pubs, welcomed the choice, asserting that landlords would be relieved to evade the need for supplementary licenses. She highlighted that these establishments continue to face significant challenges.
Martin McTague, national chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, hailed this move as a supplementary income source to offset escalating costs for pubs. Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, indicated that numerous businesses had benefited from pavement licenses and had established outdoor areas for takeaway and al fresco dining. She regarded the government’s decision as a rational move, preventing eateries and pubs from being burdened with added bureaucratic hurdles.
Previously, with the regulations scheduled to lapse by the end of September, pubs seeking to sustain takeaway sales would have had to request permission from local councils. Before settling on retaining the rules, the Home Office had consulted councils, residents’ groups, and beverage retailers. The majority of responses favored returning to pre-pandemic regulations.
This decision alleviated concerns from pub associations that this adjustment would compel landlords to navigate protracted application and approval processes to uphold takeaway sales. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak underscored his commitment to supporting British pubs, reducing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, and enabling customers to relish takeaway drinks without imposing undue strain on businesses, all in the context of reinvigorating the economy post-pandemic.
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