From the https://www.timeslocalnews.co.ukby Richard Williams, 30th March 2020.

Pub lawfully offering takeaway pints hits back at ‘self-opinionated’ online critics.

A LANDLORD has hit back at online critics after he decided to begin offering takeaway beer from his pub.

Steve Baxter, who runs the Grove Tavern in Berkeley Road – one of the oldest pubs in Tunbridge Wells – decided to begin offering a takeaway service for his beers and ales after the government revised guidelines allowing pubs and bars to offer the service.

However, after he began the service, a ‘self-opinionated’ online critic unfairly condemned the practice, saying Mr Baxter was being ‘irresponsible’ and ‘putting everyone at risk to line his own pockets’.

But the landlord responded with his own post on social media.

He said: “The decision to do this was not lightly made and is completely within the revised government guidelines, which I constantly monitor, along with this ever-evolving situation.

“The risks are continually evaluated, whilst also taking into account such things as the low number of confirmed cases in the area.”

He said that he was the only person in the pub and beer was being sold through an off-sales serving hatch.

The law allows for pubs to sell beer for off site consumption, as long as people obey social distancing rules and do not congregate outside.

Mr Baxter continued: “I don’t need to keep running up and down from my flat to the pub to dispense beer orders, putting myself at risk – especially as I have asthma – but I do it because a number of you asked.”

He went on: “Hopefully, this service is aiding some of you to stay sane through this lockdown period.”

He added that bottles and draught beers were on offer at the pub and poured into customer’s containers or a supplied four-pint flagon – subject to a £2.00 deposit.

He said orders can be placed via Twitter [@scb31] or via SMS/What’sApp/or telephone 07767 616039.