Government extends alcohol off-sales easement

UKHospitality (UKH) is among a number of sector bodies that have persuaded the government to extend the alcohol off-sales easement to September 2023. 

The off-sales easement was initially introduced during the pandemic – a move that was praised by the industry, as it allowed licenced hospitality venues to continue selling alcoholic drinks to be consumed outside of their premises, providing an additional revenue stream in the midst of challenging lockdown trading restrictions. While the easement was due to end this September, the government has agreed to a 12-month extension. 

Along with other leading sector bodies, UKH has been pushing for the Home Office to continue to allow premises with on-sales only – under the Licensing Act – to also provide off-sales. 

The easement means businesses can continue selling alcohol as part of takeaway and delivery orders, as well as serve it in pavement table set-ups and other outdoor areas where relevant.

Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKH, comments: "This decision to extend the off-sales easement is the right one, and hugely significant. If this had lapsed, it would have caused further problems for many hundreds pf hospitality businesses already struggling to survive.

"But persistent lobbying by UKH and others has convinced the government that deregulation measures such as this can help businesses, at what is a critical time in their efforts to stay afloat. This will benefit those hospitality business that have successfully evolved operating models to incorporate takeaway and outdoor sales, and allow them to continue to do so."

UKH will now work alongside government on a long-term solution beyond September 2023, which will aim to dovetail with the forthcoming permanent pavement licence regime. It will also continue to examine broader, ongoing deregulation work to aid the hospitality sector's recovery.

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