PUBS, breweries and MPs are urging Boris Johnson to U-turn on his decision to ban takeaway pint during the new lockdown.
Bosses have warned that the new restrictions mean that any beer left in pub cellars will have to be “tipped down the drain” with many boozers offering cut price draft beer this week.
Back in the spring, pubs were allowed to sell alcohol to drink on the street which turned out to be a life-saver for many smaller venues.
The new measures are expected to hit smaller, independent breweries hardest and have been described as “disastrous” by campaigners.
Tory MP Mark Pawsey asked the PM: “Why can’t pubs sell takeaway beer to go with their takeaway food?”
The PM replied: “There is a budget of measures we need to get the R down, and when you start unpicking one bit, a lot of the rest of it comes out.”
James Calder, chief executive of the Society of Independent Brewers (Siba), said urgent clarification on sales restrictions is needed from the Government.
He said: “This is baffling considering supermarkets will presumably still be allowed to sell packaged beer, whilst small breweries and pubs will not.
“It is nonsensical to impose these new restrictions when pubs have time and time again proved that they are Covid-secure, both during lockdown when takeaway was their only option and since pubs reopened on July 4.”
Tom Stainer, chief executive of the Campaign For Real Ale (Camra), said: “Offering alcohol for takeaway was a lifeline for many pubs, and particularly breweries, during the first lockdown.
“It is a baffling and damaging decision to remove this option, particularly when other businesses such as supermarkets are able to continue to sell takeaway alcohol.
“Pubs and breweries were already reporting losses and the risk of closure before Christmas, and this will only add to the risk of permanent closures within the next few months.
“Camra and the entire pub and brewery industry is now urging the Government to reverse this bizarre decision and ensure the survival of our pubs and breweries.”
‘BIZARRE DECISION’
Downing Street resisted calls to allow pubs to make off-licence sales during the lockdown in England.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The way to get the R rate down and to bring the virus under control is to reduce the level of social contacts which people are having.
“What we’re seeking to do is to reduce the number of gatherings which might take place where there might be social contact that might lead to transmission of the virus.”
Ministers are also being urged to scrap the ban on youth outdoor sport, golf and tennis during lockdown 2.0.
In a letter signed by Tory MPs, including Damien Collins, former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch and the FA Chairman Lord David Triesman, they urged the government to allow outdoor youth sports to continue.
They said: “Young people will currently be allowed to continue with sport at school, and we believe that the risks to the spread of the coronavirus from outdoor grassroots youth sport would be minimal.
“There would however be clear and lasting benefits for these young people if the government could support this.”
Culture and Committee Chair Julian Knight said the “blanket ban” on outdoor sports should be lifted while Labour are also calling for “wellbeing” activities to be allowed.
Mr Knight said “these sports are uniquely built for social distancing” adding: “For the mental and physical health of the nation we need to be smart about this, and we need to allow people some activity that they can enjoy and do so in a safe environment.”
Alison McGovern, Labour’s Shadow Sports Minister, added: “We know how incredible sport is for both mental and physical health – both of which are at risk as we face further restrictions. It cannot be an afterthought in this time of crisis.”
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