As of 31 March 2025, the temporary off-sales provisions introduced under the Business and Planning Act 2020 have officially come to an end. These measures, which were originally implemented to support the hospitality sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, provided welcome flexibility to pubs, bars, and restaurants across England and Wales. Now that they’ve expired, many businesses are wondering, what the changes mean, how they may impact your operations, and what steps you can take to stay compliant moving forward.

So What Were the Temporary Provisions?

In response to the pandemic’s devastating impact on the hospitality industry, the UK Government introduced the Business and Planning Act 2020. Among other emergency measures, the Act included a provision that automatically allowed licensed premises to sell alcohol for off-site consumption (off-sales), even if their original licence only covered on-sales.

This enabled pubs and restaurants to pivot quickly to takeaway and delivery services, creating new revenue streams and supporting jobs during lockdowns and periods of restricted trading.

Key points of the temporary off-sales provisions:

• Automatically granted off-sales permission to premises already licensed for on-sales.
• Allowed businesses to serve alcohol to customers for consumption off the premises without needing to apply for a variation to their premises licence.
• Intended as a short-term support measure, but was extended multiple times, eventually expiring on 31 March 2025.

What Changed on 1 April 2025?

With the expiration of these temporary permissions, the default off-sales permissions no longer apply. This means:

• If your premises licence does not include off-sales, you are no longer legally allowed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises.
• Any off-sales activity after 31 March 2025 must be specifically authorised by your premises licence.

Businesses that continue to sell alcohol for takeaway or delivery without the appropriate permissions risk enforcement action, including fines or a review of their licence.

What Should Businesses Do Now?

If your business has relied on off-sales since 2020, here’s what you need to consider:

1. Review Your Premises Licence

Check your current licence to confirm whether off-sales are included. Look at the:

• Licensable activities section
• Operating schedule
• Any specific conditions related to alcohol sales

2. Apply for a Licence Variation (If Needed)

If you want to continue off-sales and your licence doesn’t allow it, you’ll need to apply for a minor or full variation to your premises licence through your local licensing authority. We at Uk Licensing direct can help assess the best route based on your specific circumstances, prepare and submit the relevant application on your behalf.

3. Update Your Staff and Operations

Ensure your staff understand the new legal boundaries. Selling alcohol for takeaway without the proper authorisation could result in penalties for both the individual and the business.

Future Outlook

While the end of the temporary off-sales provisions may feel like a setback for some, it also marks a return to a more stable regulatory environment. Businesses that have built successful takeaway or delivery offerings may want to formally integrate these services into their long-term strategy by securing the right licensing permissions.

Additionally, local authorities and business groups continue to lobby for more flexible licensing arrangements to support innovation and growth in the hospitality sector. Keep an eye on future legislative changes that could once again reshape the landscape.

Conclusion

The Business and Planning Act’s temporary off-sales provisions served their purpose during a time of crisis. Now, as we move forward, hospitality businesses must take proactive steps to ensure compliance and build sustainable, legally sound operations.

If you’re unsure how these changes affect your business, get in touch with us now and we will do all the hard work.