Pubs in England and Wales will be able to continue selling takeaway drinks after the government decided to keep Covid licensing rules.
They were allowed to serve customers through hatches when they were forced to close under pandemic laws in 2020.
The rules were due to expire on 30 September.
The move – aimed at saving the trade from financial ruin – was previously extended twice during the pandemic.
The rules, which were granted in July 2020, allow pubs without an off-premises licence to sell takeaway alcohol without having to apply to their local council for permission.
Before its decision to keep the rules in place after all, the Home Office had said that it had sought opinions from councils, residents’ groups and drinks retailers – and that the majority of those who responded were in favour of returning to the pre-pandemic rules.
There were concerns from pub groups that such a move would have forced landlords to go through a lengthy application and approval processes to keep takeaway sales.
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