Pubs, restaurants and cafes can offer takeaway service
The temporary measures introduced in March allowed restaurants, pubs and cafes to provide a food takeaway service without having to apply for planning permission. These measures have been extended until 23 March 2022.
This extension aims to allow businesses to plan ahead and adapt to changes in order to stay afloat financially throughout the pandemic and beyond. It is hoped that the measures will also help businesses to retain their staff during this difficult period. The government is discussing the possibility of making the rules permanent, but this has yet to be confirmed.
Click and collect
It has been a tense couple of weeks for the hospitality industry. The sale of alcohol to take away was a lifeline for many operators during the first lockdown and again during restricted hours within the tiered systems. Last week it was announced that pubs and restaurants can sell alcohol to takeaway, albeit only via a delivery service or click and collect. See Freeths article here for further details.
Outdoor markets and alfresco dining
Along with the extended takeaway services, Robert Jenrick also announced that the provisions making it easier for businesses to host markets and stalls will be extended for the whole of 2021 and possibly permanently. The measures doubled the time limit for the temporary use of land for hosting a marquee or holding a market from 14 to 28 days. The Government has also made it easier and less expensive to acquire an outdoor seating licence to assist businesses to offer more alfresco dining.
For further information please contact Lisa Gilligan.
