The government has launched a consultation on making permanent the temporary al fresco dining measures that have given a huge boost to high streets and hospitality during the pandemic.
The government is aiming to make a number of these temporary planning reforms, which gave businesses and councils a lifeline to operate alongside the right to regenerate and new licensing arrangements, permanent so that people can continue to enjoy outdoor hospitality and local attractions while businesses can innovate, as we recover from the pandemic.
The public will now be able to give their views on the proposed reforms, so they can continue to benefit everyone in the future.
MP for North East Bedfordshire, Richard Fuller, said:
Temporary measures around the use of outdoor spaces have given a huge boost to high streets and hospitality, which is why the government has launched a public consultation on making these measures permanent.
From marquees being put up in pub grounds, to street markets operating all year round, these reforms will allow people to enjoy outdoor hospitality and local attractions, provide opportunities for businesses to innovate and prosper, make our town centres livelier and help transform our high streets into thriving places to work, visit and live.
To take part in the consultation, which closes on 14 November, please visit this page.