Hospitality industry bosses have been expressing their disbelief this morning as reports suggest that pubs could reopen in April with no alcohol.
A report on the front page of the Telegraph today suggests the government have been discussing the prospect of 'dry pubs' to allow pubs to open.
The 'temporary booze ban' is said to be part of the government's plan to ease restrictions on the hospitality industry.
But the news has left hospitality bosses and operators in shock, with the CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association saying the industry has come 'under attack'.
In a tweet, Emma McClarkin said: "Opening pubs without selling alcohol is not “reopening” pubs at all.
"Selling alcohol in a safe environment is at the core of what we do.
"Despite our business model being stripped bare, the very core of what we do is now under attack.
"This has to stop."
Greater Manchester's night time economy adviser Sacha Lord also expressed his shock at the report.
"Eh? Quite a few papers running with the story this morning of pubs opening in April, BUT can’t serve alcohol", he said on Twitter.
"What’s the point of that? So can we buy a few beers from Sainsbury’s, then pay an entry fee to drink them in the pub?
"Pubs will just choose to stay shut. Ludicrous."
Tim Foster, head at Yummy Pubs, said: "Pubs will be allowed to open, but not able to sell booze .
"I own four of these & I can tell you Boris Johnson, you can f**k right off!!
"Yet again. Evidence please."
Founder British Guild of Beer Writers Roger Protz said the suggestion seemed like a 'hilarious joke'.
He tweeted: "'Pubs may open in April (with no alcohol)' Being discussed as part of Govt's roadmap for lifting lockdown.
"What next, cinemas with no films? Restaurants with no meals?
"The anti-alcohol lobby are having a field day.
"It seems a hilarious joke but the fact they're even discussing this, the coup de grace as pubs couldn't make a profit on this basis...
"Figures keep showing pubs weren't the vector."
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister said he wanted the rules and requirements to be simplified when lockdown eases.
It was reported that the government's much-criticised substantial meal rule is set to be scrapped when pubs reopen.
The PM has also said that he doesn't want to see a return to regional tiers.
