Legislation to introduce calorie labelling on drinks in pubs would be "kicking pubs and brewers when they are down" according to the industry's trade association.

According to The Sun, health secretary Matt Hancock has put forward the idea as part of the Government's push to fight obesity.

The amount of calories would need to be shown on taps or menus for pints of beer, plus glasses of wine and sprits.

Alcohol sold in shops would also need to display nutritional information.

But the British Beer & Pub Association has hit out at the leaked plan as pubs start to reopen after being closed for lengthy periods during lockdown.

Chief executive Emma McClarkin 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. Calorie labelling would be kicking pubs and brewers when they are down."

She continued: "We have very serious concerns on the impact these proposals would have on the sector and on consumers.

"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."