THIS is how to get round the pub lockdown! Bar sets up phone line outside so customers can 'pre-order' drinks and stay within Covid law
The Red Lion and Sun in Highgate, London, has connected a telephone to a bar
The gastropub shared footage of the initiative on Twitter showing the new idea
Telephone was placed on a table outside the pub alongside antibacterial wipes
A pub has poked fun at a lockdown loophole by installing a telephone a few yards away from an outdoor bar so customers can pre-order their takeaway drinks.
The Red Lion and Sun in Highgate, London, has connected a telephone to a bar so customers can order their drinks before immediately collecting them.
Following a government U-turn on businesses selling takeaway alcohol, pubs are able to sell takeaway drinks to customers who order online or by phone, text or post.
The Red Lion and Sun in Highgate, London, has connected a telephone to a bar so customers can order their drinks before immediately collecting them
The pub shared footage on Twitter and revealed the new way for customers to 'pre-order'The gastropub shared footage on Twitter which showed a cord stretching from a table along the carpark to an outdoor bar, captioned: 'Don’t forget to pre-order your drinks.'
The telephone was placed on a table outside the pub alongside antibacterial wipes, a hand sanitiser dispenser and a sign reading: 'You can order drinks via this phone.'
Owner Heath Ball told MailOnline: 'It was more a p*** take of the silly law.
Owner Heath Ball (pictured) told MailOnline: 'It was more a p*** take of the silly law'
Following a government U-turn on businesses selling takeaway alcohol, pubs are able to sell takeaway drinks to customers who order online or by phone, text or post
'I was so angry and frustrated with the new obstacle. I thought: "How can I do it legally and at the same time highlight how stupid it is?"'
'Customers have been using it, they find it highly amusing. The staff also find it funny. It just highlights how stupid the new law is.'
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He continued: 'We did this from day one when they said you have to pre order by phone. I went on Amazon and ordered the phones and wire and had it running the next day.'
On November 4 the pub (pictured) tweeted how it would be open throughout lockdown selling takeaway drinks
Mr Ball also described his frustration at how customers are allowed to buy beer from supermarkets but have to pre-order at a pub (pictured, the outdoor bar)
The gastropub shared footage on Twitter which showed a cord stretching from a table along the carpark
The telephone is connected to an outdoor bar (left) which is fitted with a card reader (right)
Mr Ball also described his frustration at how customers are allowed to buy beer from supermarkets but have to pre-order at a pub.
On November 4 the pub tweeted how it would be open throughout lockdown for takeaway drinks and posted a picture of an outdoor bar for takeaway drinks, captioned: 'We're pleased to announce that we will be open throughout lockdown V2 for food & drink takeaways and deliveries.
'You are able to purchase wines, beers, frozen margaritas from us, however, in line with the law, you must pre-order drinks from us via the phone and collect.'
Takeaway pints at pubs and restaurants in England are available during the new coronavirus lockdown which came into effect on November 5 until December 2.
Customers are not allowed to enter the premises but can enjoy a socially distanced pint with someone from another household in an outdoor public space.
Although outlets are allowed to sell takeaway food, Downing Street had previously said they would be banned from selling alcoholic drinks to take away.
But new rules state pubs are able to sell drinks to takeaway customers, provided they pre-order them for collection and as long as they do not go into the building.
The post garnered 122 likes on Twitter with followers revealing how they loved the idea.
One wrote: 'Nice one, well done.'
Another penned: 'AWESOME..... Go for it. XXXX So proud, can't tell you. XXXXXX.'
A third described how the idea was 'excellent'.
The post garnered 122 likes on Twitter with followers revealing how they loved the idea
Nik Antona, chairman of the The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), said: 'I am delighted that the Government has listened to the concerns of thousands of Camra members, concerned pub-goers, and beer lovers who have emailed their MPs in the last 48 hours urging the Government to allow pubs and breweries to sell alcohol as takeaway during the second lockdown.
'This is a vital lifeline for local pubs and breweries across England over the coming four weeks, giving them a lifeline of income and allowing people to support local businesses.
'Camra continues to call on the Government to bring in a comprehensive, long-term financial support package to support all pubs and breweries through the lockdown and the tough months that will follow this winter.
'Without a sector-specific support package, we risk seeing thousands of pubs and breweries closing their doors for good.'
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