UK pubs may be forced to put calorie labels on pints as part of the government's strategy to tackle obesity.
According to the Evening Standard, the Department for Health and Social Care's Obesity Strategy will be launching a consultation on mandatory calorie labelling on alcohol.
If the proposals get the green light, it will mean businesses with 250 or more employees would have to disclose the number of calories in every beer, wine and spirit being served.
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This is something that has been slammed by the British Beer and Pub Association who have said that it's 'kicking' businesses 'when they are down' following the year long lockdown closures due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, dubbed the idea 'outrageous', saying: "Proposals to force calorie labelling on pints sold in pubs are ludicrous - and especially outrageous at this difficult time."
She went on to add: "After more than a year of being forced to close fully or operate under severe loss-making restrictions, now is not the time to heap burdensome and expensive regulation on our pubs.
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"Our pubs are on their knees and the Government already knows this. Calorie labelling would be kicking pubs and brewers when they are down.
"We have very serious concerns on the impact these proposals would have on the sector and on consumers."
A government spokesperson told the Evening Standard: "As outlined in our Obesity Strategy, we'll be launching a consultation soon on mandatory calorie labelling on alcohol - no decisions have yet been taken."
Just days ago, pubs across the UK reopened their doors following the third national lockdown. Punters were seen queueing at midnight and a few people even camped out to be the first to get their hands on a nice cold pint.
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Let's face it, they probably wouldn't give a toss how many calories were in it.
Despite the boozers reopening, drinkers will still need to make sure they're socially distanced from others as well as the rule of six being in play for outdoor hospitality.
You'll also need to use the NHS Test and Trace app. If you don't have a smartphone, pubs have been told to implement systems to ensure they can still collect a customer's information for tracing purposes.
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Much like last summer, pub-goers will need to be sat at a table to order their drinks and food - pub or restaurant staff will come to your table to take your order or you might be able to order via an app.
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