AS pubs close their doors once again for the second lockdown, it has been revealed that more than 38,000 local pints of beer destined for the drain have been saved.

Local pubs have been given the green light to sell the leftover beer this weekend – which has potentially saved 38,250 pints of beer from being tipped down the drain in Reading.

READ MORE: REVEALED: These are central Reading's SAFEST streets

Independent Reading pub The Lyndhurst, based on Queen's Road, is among the many establishments having to face another uncertain month as it closes for the lockdown period, presumed to end by December 2.

Speaking about the second lockdown and the potential impact on business, pub manager Sheldon Fernandes said: "It is concerning, but it's the same for everyone.

"We have to be positive. We have done it before.

"Unfortunately it has come at a bad time because things were just starting to pick up again after the first lockdown, but we understand why it has to be done- it's only fair to put health first."

Speaking about the saved pints in Reading, Mr Fernandes said: "We will be selling the fresh lagars we have left.

"People can call to order some or they can collect it from outside the premises.

He added that the pub sees a lot of local support from the area.

"We get so much support - many families come here often and locally we have so many visitors.

"Before lockdown people would travel from further away too, but since the pandemic we have still had lots of local support.

"We plan to serve takeaways during this second lockdown, which is how people can continue to support us."

A huge campaign was launched earlier this week by TradeWaste.co.uk in Reading to reduce the amount of waste beer being thrown down the drain due to the lockdown restrictions on pubs and restaurants.

It was backed by pub loving celebs like chef Tom Kerridge and Jodie Kidd themselves complaining of the “absurd” rules regarding not allowing pubs to sell off leftover beer for takeaway drinkers.

The government decided to relax the rules – but stipulated that no customer must cross the pub threshold and must not congregate outside the pub.

Charlotte Green, from TradeWaste, said: "We think the change will save at least most of the beer over the weekend – but we need beer loving locals to support their pubs by ordering the leftover beer.

"It's a big breakthrough for Reading pubs during lockdown, and will no doubt save small craft breweries too – many are switching their delivery methods to more direct to consumer ones anyway – however it's important to ensure that all glass and packaging is recycled after use."

READ MORE: These local businesses will be DELIVERING throughout lockdown

How to help your local Reading pub and reduce beer waste

Locals can call, email or text their local pub to buy their leftover beer as either collection or organised delivery.

Guests must not enter the pub and must leave immediately after collection.

A government spokesperson said: "they [pubs] can sell alcohol as part of delivery services, including through click and collect, over the telephone and by other remote methods of ordering for collection, provided customers do not congregate as groups once they have picked up their order."