Government relaxes rules to allow pubs and restaurants to act as takeaways during coronavirus crisis

The Government has announced that it will relax planning rules so pubs and restaurants can operate as takeaways during the coronavirus outbreak, the Communities Secretary has confirmed.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Currently, planning permission is required for businesses to carry out a change of use to a hot food takeaway but now an immediate, temporary change of use will be permitted for a period of up to 12 months for hot food.

Businesses will be required to tell the local planning authority when the new use begins and ends.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The serving of alcoholic beverages will continue to be subject to licensing laws.

Robert Jenrick MPRobert Jenrick MP
Robert Jenrick MP

The measures are the latest in a series of practical steps the Government is taking to support businesses and help people who need to self-isolate, as well as vulnerable groups and older people who have been strongly advised to avoid social contact outside their homes to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “We are committed to doing everything we can to tackle the pandemic and support people, businesses and communities through this difficult time.

“These changes will provide vital flexibility to pubs and restaurants and will ensure people are able to safely stay at home while still supporting some of the great local businesses across this country.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Government has confirmed the relaxations to planning rules will be put in place as soon as possible to provide reassurance to businesses and enable them to start providing takeaways to people quickly.

Related topics: