A MAJOR change to pub licensing laws is coming into effect in just hours, with punters left fuming by the change.
During the pandemic, the government relaxed licensing laws, to allow pubs to sell takeaway pints.
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This allowed many businesses to stay afloat during lockdown, but from April 1, this popular practice will be banned.
Many pub landlords were in favour of the law relaxation, as it allowed for a boost in sales, whilst having a takeaway option is seen as a major positive for many pub-goers.
However, the rule is set to expire at the end of this month, meaning that pubs will now have to pay a fee for off-site sales.
This is despite our Save Our Sups campaign, which is calling on the government to rescue pubs, amid reports that 10,000 boozers could face closure.
Business are furious at the change, with the pub trade already facing a £3.4bn tax raid in the budget.
A BBPA spokesman 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.
“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.”
He 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.”
Drinker Paul Marshall, 39, from Saffron Walden, Essex, fumed: “Of all the issues going on in the world, I can’t believe the Government are bothering with this.”
“In this town we used to have 12 pubs and now we’re down to six.
“Publicans need all the help they can get — not as many hindrances as the Government can throw at them.”
A consultation on the axing of this policy garnered just 67 responses.
Takeaway pints were introduced in 2020 to help out pubs that had to close due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Which Wetherspoons pubs have already closed?
44 Wetherspoon pubs have already closed their doors. Here’s the full list:
- The John Masefield, New Ferry
- Angel, Islington
- The Silkstone Inn, Barnsley
- The Billiard Hall, West Bromwich
- Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis, Southampton
- The Colombia Press, Watford
- The Malthouse, Willenhall
- The John Masefield, New Ferry
- Thomas Leaper, Derby
- Cliftonville, Hove
- Tollgate, Harringay
- Last Post, Loughton
- Harvest Moon, Orpington
- Alexander Bain, Wick
- Chapel an Gansblydhen, Bodmin
- Moon on the Square, Basildon
- Coal Orchard, Taunton
- Running Horse, Airside Doncaster Airport
- Wild Rose, Bootle
- Edmund Halley, Lee Green
- The Willow Grove, Southport
- Postal Order, Worcester
- North and South Wales Bank, Wrexham
- The Sir John Stirling Maxwell, Glasgow
- The Knight’s Templar, London
- Christopher Creeke, Bournemouth
- The Water House, Durham
- The Widow Frost, Mansfield
- The Worlds Inn, Romford
- Hudson Bay, Forest Gate
- The Saltoun Inn, Fraserburgh
- The Bankers Draft, Eltham, London
- The Sir John Arderne, Newark
- The Capitol, Forest Hill
- Moon and Bell, Loughborough
- Nightjar, Ferndown
- General Sir Redvers Buller, Crediton
- The Rising Sun, Redditch
- The Butlers Bell, Stafford
- Millers Well, East Ham
- Foxley Hatch, Purley
- The Coronet, London
- The Percy Shaw, Halifax
- Resolution, Middlesborough
Beer lovers could purchase a beverage through a hatch, and enjoy it during a stroll in the park, or in the comfort of their own home.
A Home Office spokesman said: “The decision to allow these temporary measures to lapse later this year follows a period of public consultation.
“We believe our approach strikes the right balance between supporting businesses while listening and responding to the concerns of those impacted by licensing laws.”
