Pub marquees could become permanent fixtures - Ashdale Business Consulting

Pub marquees could become permanent fixtures

Marquees set up by pubs and restaurants during the Covid pandemic could become permanent on-site fixtures, under government proposals.

Ministers are consulting on plans to allow some of extra seating introduced by outdoor hospitality to continue.

 

Street markets may also be allowed to open all year but a continuation of al fresco dining on roads is not planned.

The hospitality industry welcomed the plans but said firms still faced “huge hurdles” as the weather turned colder.

TheĀ consultationĀ from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is examining the changes introduced during the pandemic to encourage customers to dine outdoors to reduce the spread of Covid.

The government says it is aiming to make a number of these permanent so people can “continue to enjoy outdoor hospitality and local attractions, and businesses can innovate”.

The plans include supporting communities to hold outdoor markets by giving powers to local councils to grant them for an unlimited number of days.

A temporary lifting of restrictions in June 2020 allowed councils to permit street markets for an unlimited number of days. They had previously only been allowed to be held for 14 days a year.

Click here to read more (Source: BBC News)