With forecasters predicting this week is set to be the hottest of the year so far, Lord warned inaction from MPs could choke the hospitality sector at a critical time.
He outlined that excessive red tape and delays to approving pavement licensing for venues risks undermining the boost in outdoor trade operators desperately need.
Remaining barriers
The former night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester met visited parliament today (Monday 28 April) to give evidence to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the night-time economy.
He urged MPs to pressure local authorities to remove unnecessary barriers and support the hospitality sector through the crucial summer months.
Prior to the meeting, Lord said: “We have overwhelming evidence pubs with outdoor spaces to eat, drink and socialise perform better than those without yet there are still barrier after barrier preventing venues from easily accessing these opportunities.
“If we want to improve tourism, support hospitality and increase economic growth, we must begin with easing up on the red tape and delays, which are hammering our pubs, bars and restaurants at the very moment they should be thriving.”
Sector choked
Pavement licences are granted by the local authority and allow the licence holder to place removable furniture over certain highways adjacent to the premises in relation to which the application was made, for certain purposes.
This furniture can include chairs, benches or other forms of seating as well as umbrellas, heaters and other articles used in connection with the outdoor consumption of food and drink.
