Alfresco red tape to be permanently scrapped

Pavement licensing red tape is to be permanently scrapped, freeing up businesses to serve food alfresco all year round.

During the pandemic, restaurants, pubs and bars were granted temporary powers to serve guests on pavements, helping to mitigate lost floor space for tables due to social distancing requirements.

Through new legislation, these powers will be made permanent, with the Levelling up and Regeneration Bill expected to be unveiled in the Queen's speech tomorrow.

New legislation will also enable local leaders to force landlords to rent out commercial properties, while new Compulsory Rental Auctions will force landlords to auction shops that have been vacant for over a year.