The sale of alcohol after 9pm could be banned in England after the national lockdown is lifted, it has been hinted.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said the government was looking at measures it could add to the tiered system put in place several weeks ago.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, he said that it wouldn't be out of the question to see a curfew put on the sale of booze from off-licences.
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He said: "We are now reviewing the tiers so that when the national measures come to an end, we are able to move the country, we hope, back into the tiered structure.
"We will be looking at whether the measures we had in the old tiers were effective. Remember they varied quite a bit in different parts of the country.
"In the new tiers, we would like greater consistency and we will have to see which measures were actually the most impactful on the virus."
When pressed on the actual tools at the government's disposal, he explained: "My own area of Nottinghamshire, the local council chose to go over and above and limit the sale of alcohol from off-licences and so on after a certain time, so that people didn't go home and have parties or drink alcohol on the streets.
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"So there were some tweaks to the tiers that you're seeing in some parts of the country and it's that sort of thing that we now need to consider.
"Was that a sensible move? If so, should we embed that in the new tier structure?"
LADbible has contacted Number 10 for a comment.
This comes after the UK government announced that England was to go into a month-long national lockdown in a bid to get the infection rate under control.
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It meant that all pubs, bars and restaurants in the country had to close their doors from 5 November until 2 December.
At the time it had been stated that takeaway booze sales would be prohibited - unlike during the previous national lockdown.
The rules stated: "Hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs must close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery services. However, takeaway of alcohol will not be allowed."
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However, this rule was later relaxed, with legislation stating that customers will be able to collect pre-ordered alcohol, so long as they do not enter the premises.
Drinks must be ordered online or over the phone and deliveries will also be permitted.
Speaking earlier this month, Nik Antona, the national chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), said the rule change represented a 'vital lifeline' for the industry.
According to The Guardian, he 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 e-mailed their MPs in the last 48 hours urging the government to allow pubs and breweries to sell alcohol as takeaway during the second lockdown.
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"This is a vital lifeline for local pubs and breweries across England over the coming four weeks."
Topics: lockdown, Beer, Politics, Health