Plans revealed for coronavirus-inspired summer al fresco revolution

Ministers have revealed their plans for an al fresco revolution to encourage open air shopping and drinking throughout the summer to control coronavirus.

Outside seating and takeaway pints will become the norm under proposals laid out in the Business and Planning Bill, which has been dubbed the Covid Bill by officials.

Publicans and restaurant owners will be allowed to turn car parks into seating areas, with the “immediate” changes allowing the hospitality industry to exploit the hot weather being enjoyed across England and Wales in a bid to bounce back from the coronavirus downturn.

As part of the plans unveiled on Thursday, licensed premises will be able to serve booze for punters to take away and consume elsewhere in efforts to stop drinkers crowding indoors.

Meanwhile, outdoor markets, summer fairs and car boot sales will no longer need planning permission, meaning their hours can be extended without prior approval.

Scientists have found that Covid-19 does not spread as easily in an outside environment compared to when indoors, meaning an outdoor lifestyle could help keep the infection rate under control when lockdown measures are significantly eased on July 4.

The Prime Minister has given the go-ahead for pubs, restaurants and hotels to reopen as of next month – albeit with social distancing restrictions in place – while non-essential retail is already free to resume selling.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “Our pubs, restaurants and cafes are the lifeblood of high streets and town centres across the country and we are doing all we can to ensure they can bounce back as quickly and safely as possible.

“This week we gave our vital hospitality sector the green light to reopen from July 4, and today we are introducing new legislation to enable businesses to make the most of the crucial summer months ahead.”

Changes for the hospitality industry in the Covid Bill include reducing the consultation period for applications for pavement licences from 28 calendar days to five working days, with automatic consent granted if there is no council decision after 10 working days.

The application fee for a pavement and street cafe licence will be lowered to no more than £100 and temporary changes to licensing laws will allow licensed premises, such as pubs and restaurants, to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises.

The Government said councils will need to continue to ensure their communities are consulted on licensing applications, that waste is disposed of responsibly, and that access to pavements and pedestrianised areas is not compromised as a result of the changes.

The Bill was laid before Parliament on Thursday and will be debated by MPs on Monday, Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg confirmed.