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Hospitality Industry: Alcoholic Drinks

Asked by Sir James CleverlyConservativeHome OfficeTabled Answered 12 September 2025UIN 75190

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make it her policy to allow all licensed pubs and restaurants to provide (a) off-sales and (b) take-away pints.

Answered by Sarah Jones

The Government recognises the important role that pubs and restaurants play in local communities and the wider economy. The temporary easement introduced during the pandemic, which allowed on-trade premises to provide off-sales without a variation, expired on 31 March 2025.

Businesses wishing to offer off-sales or takeaway pints can apply to vary their existing premises licence through existing processes under the Licensing Act 2003 for £89. New licence applicants already have the ability to request a license for both ‘on’ and ‘off’ sales at no additional cost.

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