Pavement licences extended for further year

The government has announced it will be extending its streamlined pavement licensing system for a further year in England, and intends to make it permanent, as part of plans to bolster the recovery of the hospitality sector.

In its Build Back Better High Streets strategy the government sets out its longer-term vision for the high street’s renewal, including the extension of outdoor licensing measures until September 2022.

The Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said the change could become permanent although that would require legislation.

Pubs will also be given a 12-month extension of temporary off-licences, also granted during the pandemic, that have allowed them to sell takeaway drinks and meals.

MHCLG outlined the plans on Friday as it launched a hospitality strategy to be overseen by a council of industry leaders and government officials, including the junior business minister Paul Scully.

Welcoming the publication of the new strategy, Kate Nicholls, chief executive, UKHospitality, said it would help the hospitality sector to drive the renewal of the high street and the wider economic recovery.

“We look forward to contributing to its delivery, through the hospitality-led regeneration hubs and the other positive measures within these proposals,” she said.

“In the more immediate term, however, the extension – and potential permanent retention – of streamlined pavement licensing is a real boost for pubs, cafes and restaurants, who will be delighted that they can continue to make use of outdoor areas, helping them to navigate their way more speedily back to profitability.”

Nick Mackenzie, chief executive of Greene King, said: “We know it’s going to be a long road, which is why longer-term measures such as increasing the capacity for alfresco dining and takeaway pints is something that would make a real difference to our trading abilities, as well as hopefully further encouraging customers to support their local high street once more.”