Thousands of "wet pubs" could stay fully open in Tier 2 thanks to a loophole, a cabinet minister appeared to confirm this morning.
Under the government's Tier 2 rules currently in place across Liverpool City Region, pubs and bars may not provide alcohol for consumption on the premises, unless it's accompanied by a substantial meal.
But today pubs without the ability to serve their own food were told they could still stay open.
On Sky News this morning, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said drinkers could not order themselves takeaways to meet the substantial meal requirement.
But pressed by Kay Burley if it would be ok for pub landlords to order takeaways for customers, he said: "I am sure that would be the case".
Kay Burley asked: "What if they don't sell food on the premises, can you order a takeaway?"
He replied: "It's got to be a substantial meal but pubs have really got to be providing that meal."
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Asked by the presenter: "What if the landlord buys it?", Mr Williamson said: "Well if the pub is providing that meal via the landlord I am sure that would be the case.
"But it's about the pub providing the substantial meal with the alcohol."
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Clearly surprised by his answer Kay Burley said: "But the landlord could order the takeaway for you, that's interesting."
