Most pubs and bars will be able to sell takeaway drinks from early next month if a new government bill becomes law.
The change is part of a package measures announced by the government today (Thursday 25 June).
The government said that the aim was to “help businesses get back on their feet and get people back in their jobs safely”.
Ministers promised a “simpler licensing process for outdoor seating for pubs, restaurants and cafés”, with “councils encouraged to reduce red tape and create more outdoor markets”.
They said that the “government plans to support outdoor dining as part of efforts to help the economy bounce back from coronavirus”.
And they added that it was part of a “comprehensive plan to revive high streets, support the hospitality industry and help get people back to work”.
Brighton and Hove City Council licensing manager Jim Whitelegg said that takeaway drinks would have to be sold in secure containers
He told the council’s Licensing Committee about the proposed measures when members held a “virtual” meeting this afternoon.
MPs are expected to vote on the “temporary changes to licensing laws” on Monday (29 June).
Mr Whitelegg said that the new rules – reducing the need for businesses to apply to the council for licence changes – were expected to remain in place for a year.
The proposals are intended to help pubs, bars and restaurants which will be among the businesses hardest hit by coronavirus social distancing measures.
Conservative councillor Dee Simson said that a number of premises with an “on-sales” licence had been applying for an “off-sales” licence since pubs, bars and restaurants were forced to close in March. She said that she was “nervous” about the proposed changes.
Mr Whitelegg said that it was early days and added that the government’s bill – or draft law – made “interesting reading”.
He said that if MPs voted through the change in law, any business that was allowed to serve alcohol on its premises could automatically sell takeaway drinks and offer deliveries.
There would be exceptions, he added, including premises that had had an application for an “off-sales” licence turned down in the past three years.
Mr Whitelegg said that a number of businesses had applied for licence “variations” to be allowed to sell takeaways and offer deliveries since the lockdown started.
considering most pubs have NO outside area and off-sales from pubs is very expensive this is a non-starter..