'I've never heard anything so ridiculous': People in Milton Keynes have their say on Government plan to stop drinking in pubs

The Prime Minister has committed to setting out a “road map” later this month for easing restrictions as he faces pressure from Conservative MPs to relax the current lockdown once the most vulnerable have been vaccinated.

The Sun reported that ministers are preparing to allow pubs to serve takeaway pints in April before fully reopening in May. Meanwhile, The Telegraph said the prospect of ‘dry pubs’ – as opposed to ‘wet pubs’ - was being discussed as an option to allow bars to open their doors in April.

So we asked pub-goers in Milton Keynes what they thought of the idea - and the vast majority of readers were not impressed with the thoughts of going without a cold beer or glass of gin on the rocks at the local.

Many have argued that the hospitality sector have plunged thousands of pounds into PPE to make restaurants and pubs safe, with table service working well as a system.

Jenny Stimpson said: “I’ve never heard anything so ridiculous. If it’s because of the people that go out to get blind drunk – which the majority of people don’t - those people will still buy alcohol and mix in each other’s houses anyway.”

A senior Government source was dismissive about the idea this week, telling PA news agency: “We are not going to open pubs that can’t sell booze. What would be the point of that?”

Hannah Slade added: “For pity’s sake this would be harder on us (as landlords) than the substantial meal rule, which was fatal as it was.”

Many readers have asked if the bar at Westminster for ministers will also have restrictions to stop them from having a beverage with their meals.

Jacki McBride said: “Am I missing something here? Isn’t the whole idea of a pub that it serves alcoholic drinks, as well as soft drinks and we have a choice? I get that there is an element who will abuse it, and there always will be, but I just don’t see the point in opening the pubs to only serve soft drinks.”

The Prime Minister placed the country into its third national shutdown on January 6 and the hospitality sector – excluding takeaway services – have been put on pause ever since.

Ashley Ingram commented: “Surely pubs are only going to struggle more if they have to survive paying wages and rates with people buying lime and sodas for pennies at a time?”

Ruth Wallace said pubs would not be the same. She added: “Unfortunately, no! Having a drink is a part of the whole experience... good wine and good food.”

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