THERE’S more bad news for Britain’s pubs as takeaway pints will be banned throughout lockdown.

Yesterday evening, Boris Johnson announced that the UK will go back into lockdown from November 5 to December 2 to combat a surge in coronavirus infections.

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The new lockdown rules say that takeaway pints will be banned

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The new lockdown rules say that takeaway pints will be bannedCredit: Jamie Lorriman

As a result, pubs and bars will need to close their doors again for the month-long period.

Even worse, pubs will not be allowed to serve takeaway alcohol to their customers.

This is a change in the rules, as throughout the last lockdown period many pubs survived by selling takeaway pints.

The new rules say: “Hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs must close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery services. However, takeaway of alcohol will not be allowed.”

JOB LOSSES SINCE JUNE

THE hospitality sector and pub sector in particular has been hammered by coronavirus rules and restrictions, with many firms announcing job cuts since June.

These include:

  • Wetherspoons is planning to cut 450 jobs from six pubs, as well as 130 head office roles.
  • Whitbread (which owns Brewers Fayre, Premier Inn and Beefeater) is planning to cut 6,000 jobs as hotel demand slumps.
  • Young’s is cutting 500 out of 4,200 staff redundant by the end of the month
  • Fuller’s is having to cut 500 jobs – 10% of its workforce – in its central London sitrs.
  • Pret a Manger is cutting 2,800 jobs with 30 stores to close
  • Costa Coffee is axing 1,650 jobs – it hasn’t announced any store closures at this stage

That means that pubs and bars with kitchens will still be able to do food for the lockdown period but all booze is banned.

Restaurants that are serving takeaway will also not be allowed to sell wine or other alcohol.

This is dire news for the UK hospitality sector, which has already been destroyed by the coronavirus crisis.#

The key headlines from Boris' lockdown announcement

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The key headlines from Boris’ lockdown announcement

CAMRA’s National Chairman, Nik Antona, said: “The second lockdown is a devastating blow for an industry that is already on its knees.

“Pubs across the country have already invested thousands to reopen COVID-safe environments despite facing seriously reduced incomes.”

“We also need a clear route map out of lockdown which is based on evidence, otherwise we will see many pubs and breweries close their doors forever.”

Last week, the Campaign For Real Ale warned that many pubs and breweries would struggle to survive the next few months without government support and funding.

Last lockdown, pubs survived by serving takeaway booze to customers

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Last lockdown, pubs survived by serving takeaway booze to customersCredit: Kevin Dunnett – The Sun

Which businesses have to close?

Here’s the list of businesses that the government has confirmed will be shutting from Thursday:

  • All non-essential retail, including, but not limited to clothing and electronics stores, car showrooms, travel agents, betting shops, auction houses, tailors, car washes, tobacco and vape shops.
  • Indoor and outdoor leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, leisure centres and gyms, sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges, water and theme parks,
  • Entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys, concert halls, zoos and other animal attractions, botanical gardens;
  • Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture, and tanning salons.
  • Hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs

This is not an exhaustive list, and the government has said it will put out a full list next week.

What businesses can stay open?

Only a small group of retailers were allowed to stay open during the first lockdown.

Here is the list of businesses that the government has confirmed can stay open so far.

  • Food shops
  • Supermarkets
  • Garden centres
  • Non-essential retail for delivery and click-and-collect
  • Playgrounds
  • Restaurants and other hospitality for takeaway food only
  • Hotels, hostels and other accommodation for those who have to travel for work purpose or other exemptions
  • Pharmacies
  • GPs and hospitals
  • Petrol stations
  • Jobcentre Plus sites
  • Courts
  • Civil Registrations Offices
  • Childcare providers
  • Therapy and addiction support

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – STAY IN THE KNOW

Don’t miss the latest news and figures – and essential advice for you and your family.

Four-week national lockdown could be extended if R rate still high, warns Michael Gove

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk

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