Hospitality venues must reapply for licence to sell takeaway pints next month

Pubs, restaurants, bars and hotels without specific provisions in their licence will no longer be able to sell takeaway alcoholic drinks from the end of September as the government looks to wind down pandemic-era rules.

In 2020, venues without an off-premises licence were allowed to sell takeaway alcohol without having to apply for permission from their local council.

It meant some businesses were able to keep trading during coronavirus restrictions and sell drinks in pavement areas where they had a licence to place tables and chairs.

However, the rules will be scrapped on 30 September after a consultation around the issue received just 174 responses and 65% said the licensing provisions should not be extended.

This means hospitality venues with an on-site licence will need to apply to their local council to continue with takeaway sales.

The Home Office said it would advise councils to treat applications as a minor variation to the existing licence.

However, Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night-time Industries Association (NTIA), said there were “no guarantees” this would happen and argued the provision should be extended for another year.

“Many [operators] are frustrated at the level of bureaucracy which they will have to undergo to reestablish off sales which they have had without issue for the last three years,” added Kill.

“There is also concern that the level of applications if people do not apply now will take them past the deadline of the 30 September, leaving many without this provision.”

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls tweeted: "[We] are returning to the pre-covid situation but while your new covid outdoor tables and chairs licence will be made permanent, the temporary off sales provision won't so some may be caught out and have tables and chairs where alcohol cannot be brought to."

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said the decision was “disappointing” for struggling pubs.

“This simple change has allowed pubs to offer takeaway options and host a greater range of events for their communities in recent years,” said McClarkin.

“The decision not to extend will mean businesses across the country will now have to go through potentially lengthy application and approval processes.

“We need government to support our pubs and allow them to diversify and innovate, not hold them back with more red tape and unnecessary regulation.”

For more information on the consultation outcome, click here.

Image: Natali Brillianata / Shutterstock