UK fast-tracks pavement licences for trade

The UK Government’s Business and Planning Bill, which includes the fast-tracking of approvals for the issuing of pavement licences ranging from three months in duration to the 30th of September 2021, has been welcomed by the hospitality sector there.

 

 

The Bill speeds up the process of applying for pavement licences by allowing local authorities to delegate decisions on such matters to sub-committees and council officials.

The fee for such a licence enabling hospitality businesses to use outside spaces will be no more than £100 but the needs of disabled people will be taken into consideration when making a decision on granting such a licence.

Non-smoking customers will also have to be catered for in these spaces.

But the consultation period has been fast-tracked down from 28 days to just five following the application.

“These measures will free-up venues to operate more flexibly at a time when every bit of help will be vital to their future survival,” said UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls, while the British Pub & Beer Association’s Chief Executive Emma McClarkin added, “All pubs are challenged with operating with reduced capacity. The fast-track temporary pavement licences will be welcomed by publicans and customers alike.”

For those pubs in more urban areas that do not have a pub garden, being able to use extra outdoors space is particularly good news, she concluded.