A Dalton pub owner has criticised the Government’s decision to ban takeaway alcohol. Newton Arms landlord Paul Kell believes the current lockdown restrictions are unfair on pubs, highlighting that it is not a “level playing field”. “I think it s wrong that pubs aren t allowed to sell takeaway alcohol,” Mr Kell said. “If other pubs are similar to us, they will be left with stock that ll go out of date. “Yet, supermarkets can sell as much alcohol as they like? “I don’t think you can have one rule for one and one rule for another.” It is believed this move from Prime Minister Boris Johnson was taken due to fears that customers buying takeaway alcohol from pubs may congregate with friends nearby to drink.
Current challenges faced by pubs are massively unfair , according to the Furness chairman of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). This comes as popular Millom pub the Bear on the Square, on St George’s Square has closed until further notice. In an announcement to the public this weekend, the pub s management claimed that it would not be viable to remain open during the current coronavirus restrictions. It said: “It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you all that the Bear will be closing on Monday, December 14 until further notice. “It is a decision we have not taken lightly, but it is not viable for us to remain open unless we drop to tier one.”