Proposals to force calorie labelling on pub pints 'ludicrous'

As revealed by The Sun​​​, the Health Department is considering making any pub business with 250 or more employees to publish the calorie information about all beer, wine and spirit served in their bars.

The Government's own figures say that there will be a £92m hit to the already Covid-ravaged pub sector, but 'the benefits to consumers has not been quantified'.

Responding to the reports, Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, warned that the plans would kick pubs and brewers when they are down.

She said: “Proposals to force calorie labelling on pints sold in pubs are ludicrous – and especially outrageous at this difficult time.

"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.

“Our pubs are on their knees and the Government already knows this."

According to The Sun​'s report, menus and even pump labels would have to carry the information.

Public Health Minister Jo Churchill has told colleagues she wishes to launch a 12-week consultation on the plans.

“We have very serious concerns on the impact these proposals would have on the sector and on consumers," McClarkin added.

“The British people have had months without going to their local. It has been tough mentally and socially. Let them enjoy it again and let our businesses rebuild.

"We must remember that after so much enforced isolation, the pub has an important role to play in tackling loneliness and improving mental health.”

Last summer the Government announced that mandatory calorie labelling would be introduced​​ for out-of-home food businesses employing more than 250 people.