Unlock our pubs NOW

Campaigners say booze ban should be lifted by Easter

THIRSTY Brits gagging for a pint are calling for the ban on takeaway bevvies to be lifted for Easter.

Drinkers, publicans and MPS are backing the #Unlockinn campaign to bring the date pubs can sell takeout booze brought forward to March 29.

This is the day the “stay at home” rule in England will end and six people or two households can meet up outside.

As it stands, pub-goers must wait until April 12 at the earliest for beer gardens to reopen.

Bar bosses claim PM Boris Johnson’s road map out of lockdown is unfair on pubs because supermarkets and cafés have been allowed to carry on serving take-home drinks.

Pubs are also set to miss out on selling up to 4million pints over the Easter holidays.

Mo Metcalf-fisher, from the Countryside Alliance, tweeted: “The #Unlockinn campaign is calling for the date pubs can sell takeaway alcoholic beverages to be in line with when we can meet friends and family outside.

“This would be fair and help in the national effort to rebuild the economy.”

Tory MP Greg Smith said: “To kickstart the hospitality comeback early, pubs should be allowed to sell takeaway alcohol to anyone planning for picnics.”

And Jenny Thatcher, from London, wrote: “For pubs on knees, allowing pubs to offer takeaway pints from the 29th March would offer them vital extra weeks to make up lost income.” Neil Way, steward of Cheltenham Motor Club, Glos, which has hosted real ale festivals, said selling takeaway beer in previous lockdowns had been essential to its survival. He added: “It was highly successful for us, providing vital income, and our customers enjoyed draught real ale and cider, as they were sick of cans and bottles.

“It was vital support for cask brewers and third-party suppliers. It kept me in touch with our locals too.”