Takeaway beers allowed in England after Government U-turn on Lockdown 2 rules

The new rules state customers must pre-order their drink online, or by phone or post, which can be collected as long as they do not enter the premises.

Official guidelines published over the weekend initially indicated a ban on serving alcohol takeaways for restaurants and pubs that will be made to close from Thursday.

The U-turn comes as a relief to industry bosses who have previously warned the ban would result in “thousands of gallons of beer (being) poured down drains”, with pub owners and campaigners urging the Government to reverse the decision.

Nik Antona, chairman of the The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), 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 emailed 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.”

Details of regulations drafted to cover England’s expected second lockdown were released on Tuesday evening – less than 48 hours before they come into effect – and will be voted on in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

The proposed regulations say that a restricted business can only sell alcohol for off-premises consumption by “making deliveries in response to orders received” through a website or other on-line communication, by telephone, including text message, or by post.

The regulations also explain that pre-ordered drinks can be sold to, and collected by, a customer “provided the purchaser does not enter inside the premises to do so”.

Elsewhere in the regulations, breweries are listed as being included among “off-licences and licensed shops selling alcohol” permitted to stay open during lockdown.

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