Licensing laws that make it easier for pubs to serve takeaway pints will be axed next month as the government plans to end pandemic measures.
In 2020, temporary rules allowed premises to serve customers alcoholic drinks on the street after hospitality businesses were forced to close due to lockdown.
This licensing is set to expire on September 30, 2023.
Under pandemic rules, pubs with on-site alcohol licences could automatically offer takeaway drinks. After this expires, businesses will have to apply for off-site sales permission through their local council.
The Home Office has explained that after consultation with local councils and residents, it has decided to let the takeaway alcohol rule expire.
The British Beer and Pub Association previously criticised the decision for forcing pubs to go through “lengthy application and approval processes” to continue selling takeaway drinks.
Chief executive 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.”
