25/06/2020
Planning changes to assist outdoor food and drink consumption, markets and fairs
Subject: Coronavirus emergency/ Coronavirus emergency closure and restrictions
Source: Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government; Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
The Government has announced that it will simplify and reduce the costs of the licensing process to allow pubs, restaurants and cafes provide outdoor seating and stalls, enabling customers to drink and dine outside safely. The changes will enable pubs and restaurants to use car parks and terraces as dining and drinking areas, using their existing seating licenses.
The proposed planning law changes will also permit outdoor markets, pop-up car-boot sales or summer fairs will not need a planning application, which will transform the way people shop and socialise.
Other legislative changes will include temporary permission for more licensed premises to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises.