Up to 30 high street post offices will be closed over the next five years potentially spawning more drinks retail units on the crowded high streets.
Earlier rumours of the move, which comes as part of a far-reaching shake-up of the Royal Mail Group's retail estate, have already prompted concern among chiefs of beleaguered high street pub companies. The fear is that the sale of the units will open up the possibility of further competition from new bars in the already saturated sector.
Of the remaining post offices, up to half of the 460 existing branches will be franchised, with retailers including supermarket chains expected to take over the businesses.
