 said the Government must go further Pubs in England and Wales will be allowed to carry on serving takeaway pints after the Government decided not to scrap rules brought in during the Covid crisis. The move comes as Rishi Sunak tries to woo an industry he has a difficult relationship with, after being heckled while pouring a pint earlier this month. Publicans have welcomed the decision, but said the Government must go further on cutting taxes they warn are holding them back. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said many publicans are forced to pay extra duty on takeaway pints, and demanded a re-think. Businesses were first permitted to serve customers through hatches back in 2020 when lockdown rules meant indoor gatherings weren't permitted. These rules were set to expire next month, but ministers have decided to keep them in place. Announcing takeaway drinks are here to stay, Mr Sunak said: "I've heard the British pub industry loud and clear - takeaway pints are a boost for their businesses and our economy. That's why they're here to stay." The move, which was aimed at helping the crippled hospitality sector boost sales during Covid, has already been extended twice. It means establishments will not need to make a separate application to local councils for the extra licence needed for off-site sales. Many pubs and bars have struggled to recover following the pandemic as they face rising energy and other costs and concerns over falling sales amid the cost-of-living crisis. Troubled Mr Sunak has insisted his tax reforms centre on "backing British pubs" and that businesses and consumers will benefit, despite the increases on wine, vodka and canned beer. The new system aims to encourage drinkers to cut back by taxing all alcohol based on its strength. Whisky distillers described the changes as a "hammer blow" and){kind=link}
Rishi Sunak is desperate to woo the pub industry after being heckled earlier this month following an alcohol tax shake-up – but the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said the Government must go further
Pubs in England and Wales will be allowed to carry on serving takeaway pints after the Government decided not to scrap rules brought in during the Covid crisis.
The move comes as Rishi Sunak tries to woo an industry he has a difficult relationship with, after being heckled while pouring a pint earlier this month. Publicans have welcomed the decision, but said the Government must go further on cutting taxes they warn are holding them back.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said many publicans are forced to pay extra duty on takeaway pints, and demanded a re-think. Businesses were first permitted to serve customers through hatches back in 2020 when lockdown rules meant indoor gatherings weren’t permitted. These rules were set to expire next month, but ministers have decided to keep them in place.
Announcing takeaway drinks are here to stay, Mr Sunak said: “I’ve heard the British pub industry loud and clear – takeaway pints are a boost for their businesses and our economy. That’s why they’re here to stay.”