Pubs across the UK are facing a "cliff edge" as Covid-era takeaway alcohol rules expire tomorrow, according to industry leaders.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, expressed disappointment over the government's decision.
"We see this cliff edge coming in tomorrow on April 1 with more than £650 million being added to the beer and pub sector," she told GB News.
Pubs wishing to continue selling takeaway drinks must now apply for special status, McClarkin said.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has decided to let the temporary legislation expire on March 31, delivering another setback to the hospitality sector.
The popular change to drinking laws was introduced during the pandemic but will now end without government intervention.
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This comes as a fresh blow to pubs and breweries already struggling with rising costs.
The industry had hoped the government would make the Covid-era rule permanent to support businesses.
The licensing laws were relaxed in 2020 as a lifeline to pubs struggling during Covid lockdowns.
This temporary measure allowed licence-holders to sell alcohol for delivery or takeaway to customers, even if they had previously only been permitted to sell drinks on-site.
"The takeaway pint really caught on during the pandemic," McClarkin noted.
Many pubs adapted their business models and added additional income streams through this provision.
McClarkin urged the Prime Minister to reconsider his position on the issue.
"We're really disappointed that the Government has not made this easement a permanent one," she said.
She questioned the logic behind the decision, noting there hadn't been widespread problems with takeaway alcohol sales.
"We haven't had any widespread issues with this so we hoped they would take this very positive step to reduce the admin and burden on our businesses."
She called on Starmer to show "common sense" in his approach.
Labour Policing Minister Diana Johnson acknowledged the government's disappointment over the situation.
"We are disappointed that there was not a consensus in favour of retaining an easement from which many pubs and pubgoers have benefited," she said.
Johnson emphasised the government's commitment to supporting the pub trade despite the decision.
"We therefore want to make it as simple as possible for those pubs who wish to continue making off-sales to secure the licensing permission to do so from their local authorities."
The expiry of takeaway alcohol rules adds to mounting pressures on the pub industry, which is already facing a £3.4 billion tax raid from Rachel Reeves's Budget.
"We need to see from this Government how it is going to help our pubs and breweries going forward because times are getting very tough," McClarkin warned.
Pub owners must now navigate additional administrative hurdles at a time when the sector is struggling with financial challenges.
The industry continues to call for more support measures to ensure its survival.
Find Out More...
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, expressed disappointment over the government's decision.
"We see this cliff edge coming in tomorrow on April 1 with more than £650 million being added to the beer and pub sector," she told GB News.
Pubs wishing to continue selling takeaway drinks must now apply for special status, McClarkin said.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has decided to let the temporary legislation expire on March 31, delivering another setback to the hospitality sector.
The popular change to drinking laws was introduced during the pandemic but will now end without government intervention.
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This comes as a fresh blow to pubs and breweries already struggling with rising costs.
The industry had hoped the government would make the Covid-era rule permanent to support businesses.
The licensing laws were relaxed in 2020 as a lifeline to pubs struggling during Covid lockdowns.
This temporary measure allowed licence-holders to sell alcohol for delivery or takeaway to customers, even if they had previously only been permitted to sell drinks on-site.
"The takeaway pint really caught on during the pandemic," McClarkin noted.
Many pubs adapted their business models and added additional income streams through this provision.
McClarkin urged the Prime Minister to reconsider his position on the issue.
"We're really disappointed that the Government has not made this easement a permanent one," she said.
She questioned the logic behind the decision, noting there hadn't been widespread problems with takeaway alcohol sales.
"We haven't had any widespread issues with this so we hoped they would take this very positive step to reduce the admin and burden on our businesses."
She called on Starmer to show "common sense" in his approach.
Labour Policing Minister Diana Johnson acknowledged the government's disappointment over the situation.
"We are disappointed that there was not a consensus in favour of retaining an easement from which many pubs and pubgoers have benefited," she said.
Johnson emphasised the government's commitment to supporting the pub trade despite the decision.
"We therefore want to make it as simple as possible for those pubs who wish to continue making off-sales to secure the licensing permission to do so from their local authorities."
The expiry of takeaway alcohol rules adds to mounting pressures on the pub industry, which is already facing a £3.4 billion tax raid from Rachel Reeves's Budget.
"We need to see from this Government how it is going to help our pubs and breweries going forward because times are getting very tough," McClarkin warned.
Pub owners must now navigate additional administrative hurdles at a time when the sector is struggling with financial challenges.
The industry continues to call for more support measures to ensure its survival.
Find Out More...