Government ditches plan to ban pubs from selling takeaway beer during lockdown

Alcohol sales will be allowed with certain conditions

Drinkers queue for takeaway beer at a pub during the first lockdown (Getty Images)

The government has ditched plans to ban takeaway alcohol sales by pubs and restaurants during lockdown after warnings it would cut a vital financial lifeline for them.

Guidance published on Saturday by ministers said rules in force throughout November across the country would ban takeaway alcohol sales.

"Hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs must close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery services," the published guidance said. "However, takeaway of alcohol will not be allowed."

Put bosses had warned that the law would result in pints of beer being thrown down the drain and could lead to the close of many local pubs.

But the final legislation, published on Tuesday evening, shows takeaway alcohol sales will still be allowed in some circumstances.

Alcohol sales will specifically be permitted under exemption 17 of the rules as long as it is ordered "through a website, or otherwise by on-line communication", "by telephone, including orders by text message", and "by post".

The compromise effectively means pubs will be allowed to sell takeaway beer as long as customers telephone when they arrive at a pub, or send a text message to a number confirming an order.

It is not clear whether the change is intentional, or an accidental loophole that was intended to be used by restaurants selling drinks alongside takeaway meals. Downing Street did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.

Nik Antona, chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), which campaigned against the blanket ban, said:  “I am delighted that the Government has listened to the concerns of thousands of CAMRA members, concerned pub-goers, and beer lovers who have e-mailed their MPs in the last 48 hours urging the Government to allow pubs and breweries to sell alcohol as takeaway during the second lockdown.

“This is a vital lifeline for local pubs and breweries across England over the coming four weeks, giving them a lifeline of income and allowing people to support local businesses.

“CAMRA continues to call on the Government to bring in a comprehensive, long-term financial support package to support all pubs and breweries through the lockdown and the tough months that will follow this winter. Without a sector-specific support package, we risk seeing thousands of pubs and breweries closing their doors for good.”