The government is ending automatic provision for pubs and bars to sell alcohol for off-site consumption and will halt the increased number of temporary event notices (TENs) permitted.
The move comes after a consultation on whether to make permanent the alcohol licensing provisions in the Business and Planning Act 2020 or to return to the pre-Covid provisions in the Licensing Act 2003.
UKHospitality (UKH), which had been a strong proponent of both measures being made permanent, after being temporarily introduced during the pandemic, voiced its dismay over the decision.
UKH chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “There’s no doubt that this is disappointing news for hospitality businesses. The temporary measures introduced during the pandemic were practical and enabled businesses to generate additional sales.
“This decision will raise questions among hospitality businesses about how serious the government is about reducing red tape for businesses, particularly when this would have been a low-cost, high-reward change.
“I would continue to urge the Government to consider measures like these as prime targets for change, as part of its focus on deregulation. UKHospitality and its members are keen to work together with government departments to identify areas that can be improved or changed, to reduce the regulatory burden and boost the economy.”
Licensing solicitor Poppleston Allen explained: “The reasoning is that the relevant legislation was effectively to mitigate the effect of a pandemic, which is now over.
“This means those premises relying on the exemption will lose it on 30 September 2023. Those premises will have to make an application to add off-sales, although the Government’s announcement does recommend that this is done by way of minor variation. In reality, this will be at the discretion of the local authority.”
