Second lockdown: Pubs WILL be able to serve takeaway pints with new legal loophole

PUBS WILL be allowed to serve takeaway pints but only if they're ordered in advance.

A loophole in the government's newly released lockdown regulations means boozers can serve alcohol to go - but only if ordered online, on the phone or even by post before they arrive.

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The original guidance on the new measures had said that all booze sales for takeaway would be banned.

But the new regulations published today show that booze - and other food - can be collected if ordered in advance.

However, they will only be able to do this up to 10pm - like the current pub curfew.

And they won't be able to come inside the place where they buy the pints from either - it must be delivered or passed to the person as part of a drive-through.

The news could provide a lifeline to many boozers forced to shutter in lockdown 2.0, with many pub companies spending large sums of cash on apps to help make venues covid secure.

The regulations say booze can be sold "by making deliveries in response to orders received, through a website, or otherwise by on-line communication, by telephone, including orders by text message, or by post, to a purchaser who collects food or drink that has been pre-ordered."

Greg Mulholland, Campaign Director of the Campaign for Pubs said the loophole was "welcome."

He added: "It just shows the farce of this new system.

"It's extraordinary that originally they said there would be no sale of alcohol to takeaway.

"But it is welcome news, as it means many pubs won't have to pour perfectly good draft beer away.

"It means that people can safely enjoy takeaways, and sensibly enjoy alcohol at home throughout the lockdown, and saving many businesses until they can fully open again."

The regulations also show that bottle shops at breweries will be exempt from closing.

Campaign for Real Ale's National Chairman Nik Antona said they were "delighted" the government had tweaked the ban.

He 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 e-mailed 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.”