In a decision that marks the end of Covid-era licensing rules for pubs in England and Wales, the government has announced that the permission granted to serve takeaway drinks through

hatches will expire on 30 September.

The measure, introduced in 2020 to support struggling pubs during lockdowns, allowed landlords to serve customers in the street and sell takeaway alcohol without having to apply for local council permission. Pubs wishing to continue offering takeaway pints will now have to seek approval from their local councils.

The British Beer and Pub Association expressed disappointment, fearing the decision will subject pubs to lengthy and unnecessary application processes.

The government stated that the majority of respondents favored returning to pre-Covid rules and hopes councils will treat applications as minor license changes to reduce transition costs. However, industry groups have raised concerns about the impact on businesses and question the government's commitment to reducing red tape. Photo by k.ivoutin, Wikimedia commons.