#UnlockInn campaign helps see scrapping of substantial meal requirement

Thanks to thousands of supporters, we have helped scrap the 'substantial meal requirement', which as many of you know was a real burden for publicans and customers.

We have also been informed that from April 12th, pubs will be able to sell takeaway alcohol. This was another of the key asks of our campaign.

We were joined by several MPs, from different political parties who helped carry our message in their own constituencies and to colleagues in Parliament. We thank them for their support.

Given we now have a roadmap, and the Prime Minister has said pubs will be able to begin trading outside again from 12th April 2021, indoor service will still not be able to take place until May 17th 2021.

The British Beer & Pub Association has revealed that it believes 29,000 pubs – 60% of all pubs in the UK – will still remain closed if outdoor service is permitted at pubs from April.

There are also several outstanding issues which we shall continue raising with MPs ahead of the Chancellor's budget on March 3 2021.

The #UnlockInn campaign is now asking the government to:

• Allow pubs to serve takeaway alcohol. This is currently not allowed until April 12th, but it would make sense to permit this from 29th March, when outdoor gatherings of either 6 people or 2 households will be allowed.
• Allow pubs to trade safely both inside and outside from April 12th.
• Extend VAT at 5%, while ensuring rates are cut by 50 percent for the same length of time. This will help pubs get through the much-needed economic recovery.
• If pubs are forced to remain closed into the Summer months, please provide these struggling businesses with increased financial support. We cannot see them fall by the wayside.