Bodies representing pubs and brewers have welcomed the announcement that outlets will be allowed to sell takeaway alcohol during the second English lockdown.
The move has been described by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) as a "vital lifeline", which will allow customers to support local businesses during the period, which will start on Thursday.
The Government clarified its stance on takeaway beer today and published guidance which shows England’s pubs and independent brewery taprooms can sell beer for takeaway providing it is pre-ordered via phone, web or post.
CAMRA's national chairman, Nik Antona, 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 emailed 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.”
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Neil Walker, head of comms at the Society of Independent Brewers, also welcomed the news, adding: "Government have also made clear in the guidance that brewery shops can remain open and operate as off-licenses, meaning bottled and canned beer from small breweries can be sold via on-site shops without pre-order.
"Small independent breweries and community pubs have proven their ability to trade responsibly during Covid and this new guidance will allow them to prepare their businesses for safe continued trading ahead of Thursday’s lockdown."
"Pubs and small breweries are intrinsically linked, with 80% of beer from small independent brewers heading to pubs, and we would like to thank the Government for their flexibility in allowing pubs to sell takeaway beer in a Covid safe and practical manner via pre-orders.”