The Business and Planning Bill was published on 25 June. It sets out changes to legislation aimed at supporting business recovery. The key features of the Bill include:

• reducing the consultation period for applications for pavement licences to from 28 calendar days to 5 working days
• setting a lower application fee for a pavement and street cafe licence
• removing the need for a planning application for outdoor markets and marquees
• providing more freedoms for areas to hold car-boot sales and summer fairs
• doubling the length of time that temporary structures can be placed on land without needing an application for planning permission
• doubling the time limits in the existing right for the temporary use of land from 14 days to 28 days for holding a market, or car and motorcycle racing; and from 28 days to 56 days for any other purpose.

Government says that more pubs, restaurants and cafes will be able to serve customers outdoors, while the costs of the licensing process for outdoor seating and stalls, will be reduced, making it easier for people to safely drink and dine outside.

Proposed planning freedoms will mean that outdoor markets, pop-up car-boot sales or summer fairs will not need a planning application. Pubs and restaurants will be able to use car parks and terraces as dining and drinking areas, using their existing seating licenses.

Temporary changes to licensing laws will allow many more licensed premises to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. Customers will be able to buy their drinks from a pub and consume them elsewhere, making social distancing easier.

It is hoped that these measures will support businesses as they reopen over the summer. Read more.