Off-licences in UK can stay open during lockdown

The UK government has added off-licences and licensed shops selling alcohol to its list of essential businesses that can stay open during the nation’s coronavirus lockdown.

Off-licences have joined the UK government’s list of essential businesses that can stay open during the lockdown

On 23 March, the UK government ordered all but essential businesses and premises to close in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

All pubs, bars and restaurants had already been ordered to shut to protect patrons and workers.

Members of the public have been ordered to stay at home, and to only leave their homes to do grocery shopping, to take part in one daily outdoor exercise, or for medical reasons. Public gatherings of more than two people have been banned and citizens have been told to work from home wherever possible.

Off-licences have now joined a list of businesses considered essential to keep the country running, including supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations and banks.

Yesterday, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) and 32 businesses wrote to the UK chancellor, Rishi Sunak, calling for alcohol duty suspension to help the drinks trade through the coronavirus pandemic.