Changes to Pub Licensing Laws Spark Outrage Among Drinkers
A significant overhaul of pub licensing laws is set to take effect in just a few hours, leaving many patrons frustrated and concerned. During the pandemic, the government eased restrictions on licensing, allowing pubs to sell takeaway pints, which proved vital for many businesses trying to survive lockdowns.
However, as of April 1, this convenient practice will come to an end. While many pub landlords welcomed the relaxation of these laws, recognizing it as a crucial boost to their sales, the upcoming expiration means that pubs will be required to pay a fee for off-site sales. This change comes despite the ongoing Save Our Sups campaign, advocating for government support for pubs, as reports indicate that around 10,000 establishments could face closure.
Business owners are expressing their anger over this decision, especially since the pub industry is already grappling with a staggering £3.4 billion tax burden introduced in the recent budget. A spokesperson for the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) stated, “On behalf of our members, representing approximately 20,000 pubs across the UK, we supported options that would have made the temporary easement permanent. We are incredibly disappointed by the Government’s decision.”
The spokesperson further added, “There is no evidence to suggest that this easement has caused any significant issues since its introduction. Instead, it has positively contributed to pub trade and, by extension, the economy. This change will only impose additional costs and administrative burdens on both pubs and local authorities.”
Local drinker Paul Marshall, 39, from Saffron Walden, Essex, expressed his frustration, stating, “Of all the issues in the world, I can’t believe the Government is focusing on this. In this town, we used to have 12 pubs, and now we’re down to six. Publicans need support, not more hindrances from the Government.”
The consultation regarding the discontinuation of this policy received a mere 67 responses, which raises questions about the decision-making process. Takeaway pints were first introduced in 2020 as a means to aid pubs forced to shut their doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Wetherspoons Pubs That Have Closed
As the industry faces these challenges, it’s worth noting that 44 Wetherspoon pubs have already shut down. Here’s the complete list:
- The John Masefield, New Ferry
- Angel, Islington
- The Silkstone Inn, Barnsley
- The Billiard Hall, West Bromwich
- Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis, Southampton
- The Colombia Press, Watford
- The Malthouse, Willenhall
- Thomas Leaper, Derby
- Cliftonville, Hove
- Tollgate, Harringay
- Last Post, Loughton
- Harvest Moon, Orpington
- Alexander Bain, Wick
- Chapel an Gansblydhen, Bodmin
- Moon on the Square, Basildon
- Coal Orchard, Taunton
- Running Horse, Airside Doncaster Airport
- Wild Rose, Bootle
- Edmund Halley, Lee Green
- The Willow Grove, Southport
- Postal Order, Worcester
- North and South Wales Bank, Wrexham
- The Sir John Stirling Maxwell, Glasgow
- The Knight’s Templar, London
- Christopher Creeke, Bournemouth
- The Water House, Durham
- The Widow Frost, Mansfield
- The Worlds Inn, Romford
- Hudson Bay, Forest Gate
- The Saltoun Inn, Fraserburgh
- The Bankers Draft, Eltham, London
- The Sir John Arderne, Newark
- The Capitol, Forest Hill
- Moon and Bell, Loughborough
- Nightjar, Ferndown
- General Sir Redvers Buller, Crediton
- The Rising Sun, Redditch
- The Butlers Bell, Stafford
- Millers Well, East Ham
- Foxley Hatch, Purley
- The Coronet, London
- The Percy Shaw, Halifax
- Resolution, Middlesborough
During the pandemic, beer lovers enjoyed the opportunity to purchase beverages through a hatch, taking them to parks or enjoying them at home. A spokesperson from the Home Office commented, “The decision to allow these temporary measures to lapse follows a public consultation. We believe our approach strikes the right balance between supporting businesses and addressing the concerns of those affected by licensing laws.”