Outdoor dining is to become easier and cheaper for businesses to run as part of plans to ‘level up’ Britain in the recovery from covid. Restaurants will be able to offer outdoor dining with an extended period of pavement licences for another 12 months, which will then become permanent at a later date. Takeaway alcohol permissions will also continue for an additional 12 months too.
Hospitality has been one of the hardest hit industries during the pandemic, and this will be a welcome step to aiding covid-safe dining and socialising options, and increase sales for hospitality regardless of indoor space. Pavement licencing and more al fresco dining and takeaway drinks was a real boost for businesses, and allowed many to adapt and stay open last year.