One of the saving graces of the first UK lockdown was when the first rays of summer came, and we were able to grab a takeaway pint and sit in the sun a couple of metres away from a friend or two. Now, for the January lockdown, it’s not just the summer weather we’ll be lacking, as the government’s rules have also outlawed the sale of alcohol to go this time around.
Amidst the national restrictions listed on the government website is a paragraph about the operation of restaurants, pubs, and bars, which states that they must close, “with the exception of providing food and non-alcoholic drinks for takeaway (until 11pm).” As noted, we don’t exactly have the weather for park pints these days, but if you were hoping for a takeaway cocktail to pair with your Zoom quiz, or a freshly-pulled pint of beer to match that takeaway, you’re out of luck. You will, however, still be allowed to have alcohol delivered to your home.
Leading figures in the hospitality industry are understandably a little confused by the measure, given that alcohol is still freely available from shops and via delivery – when the same rule was laid down in November, Nik Antona, chairman of CAMRA, called it a “baffling and damaging decision”. Brewers – especially the microbrewers that have popped up in force in London over the past decade or so – are likely to be especially impacted by the decision, as most of their stock is sold directly to pubs, bars, and restaurants.
With the hospitality industry facing a dark winter, and the lack of takeaway alcohol shutting off another revenue stream, why not order your lockdown drinks from your local and have them delivered straight to your door?
Article source: Secret London
