These new relaxed regulations were introduced back in 2020 to help pubs and bars survive the pandemic, when lockdown rules prevented indoor gatherings.
CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale) explained under the current relaxed regulations “any site permitted to sell alcohol on its premises can sell for off-site consumption too, without applying for a new licence”.
It also allows premises to serve alcohol in areas covered by any pavement licence they have.
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Newsquest
Relaxed regulations on takeaway pints extended
These relaxed regulations were extended back in 2023, until March 2025.
At the time, policing minister Chris Philp said: “It is vital that we do everything we can to support British pubs.
“They are a cornerstone of every community, and a beating heart in our growing economy.
“The hospitality industry has faced a tough couple of years and by relaxing this red tape we will give our pubs and bars the support they need to thrive.”
British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive Emma McClarkin added: “We wholeheartedly welcome the government’s decision to allow our pubs to continue selling takeaway pints.
“This policy supported our pubs through the dark days of the pandemic, and going forward it will allow them to diversify, particularly in warm and sunny weather, when people want to make the most of not only pubs, but parks and other public spaces as well.
“The government recognises the value our industry adds to communities and high streets across the country, and we look forward to working with them to bring forward further measures, such as business rates reform, to further unlock the potential of local pubs up and down the country.”
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Major rule change coming into force in UK pubs
The government has spent the past few years, following the extension, attempting to find a permanent solution for the regulations around takeaway pints.
The previous Government ran a consultation from May 16 until July 11, 2024 providing three options for making these regulations more permanent, according to The Mirror.
Despite this, these relaxed regulations allowing pubs and bars to serve takeaway pints are set to come to an end on March 31, 2025.
A BBPA spokesperson, speaking in The Sun, said: “On behalf of our members, who account for approximately 20,000 pubs across the UK, we supported options that would have made the temporary easement permanent, so we are incredibly disappointed at the Government’s decision.
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“We have seen no evidence that this easement has created any widespread issues since it was introduced.
“Instead it has helped to boost trade for pubs and therefore the economy as a whole, so this move will layer more cost and administrative burdens on pubs and local authorities.”
The spokesperson added: “We would urge the Prime Minister to reconsider the impact of this move because it will undermine their growth mission and create more red tape.”
