Pavement licences here to stay
It also revealed this was alongside takeaway pints continuing for another 12 months as the temporary permissions for off-sales of alcohol are extended in England and Wales.
Communities secretary Robert Jenrick first announced an extension to pavement licence rules earlier this year (March).
At that time, he highlighted previous temporary changes to licensing laws and planning restrictions for outdoor service would be extended with provision for temporary pavement licences to be continued for a further 12 months.
Positive measures
The Morning Advertiser’s sister title MCA reported UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “We look forward to contributing to its delivery, through the hospitality-led regeneration hubs and other positive measures within these proposals.
“In the more immediate term however, the extension – and potential permanent retention – of streamlined pavement licensing is a real boost for pubs, cafés and restaurants, which will be delighted they can continue to make use of outdoor areas, helping them to navigate their way more speedily back to profitability.”
Greene King chief executive Nick Mackenzie also welcomed the announcement and outlined the impact it would have.
Government strategy
He added: “We know it’s going to be a long road, which is why longer-term measures such as increasing the capacity for alfresco dining and takeaway pints is something that would make a real difference to our trading abilities, as well as hopefully encouraging customers to support their local high street once more.”
At the same time, the Government announced a new Hospitality Strategy, spearheaded by business minister Paul Scully, to support the sector in its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
It will focus on reopening, recovery and resilience with measures such as using the Department of Work and Pension’s work coaches to highlight the sector to job seekers in a bid to tackle in the recruitment challenges.
Other aims in the strategy include exploring options for vocational skills and training to support careers in the sector including apprenticeships and other qualifications like a T-level and using the Help to Grow programmes in a bid to strengthen the sector’s digital and management skills.
