Planning laws have been relaxed to help pubs and takeaways survive
In these unprecedented times, the whole country is having to adjust to the new restrictions that have been placed on us all as part of the efforts by the UK government to slow the spread of Covid-19.
Business owners are trying to think of ways to try to keep their businesses alive whilst they cannot open their premises to the public. Many pubs and restaurants are now offering takeaways and deliveries in order to try to retain some income through this crisis and to help their local community access food and drink.
In order to make this change easier, the government is going to pass legislation to allow pubs and restaurants to change their permitted use to that of a hot-food takeaway without the need to obtain permission from the local planning authority for that change of use. The legislation will apply for a period of 12 months and businesses will be required to tell the local planning authority when the new use begins and ends. The measures will apply to hot food and drinks only and existing licensing laws will continue to apply to serving alcoholic drinks.
Now it is our turn to support our local businesses … so let’s make the sacrifice and eat more takeaways!
The legislation has not yet been passed but we will keep an eye on developments and keep you updated. In the meantime, if you would like more information or advice on this please get in touch with a member of our Commercial Team. Email commercial@goughs.co.uk or call 01249 444499.
Article by Rowena Birch.
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