The Business and Planning Act 2020 receives Royal Assent

We blogged recently about the delay in the Business and Planning Act 2020.  We are pleased to say that this Act, which is in force with immediate effect, received Royal Assent on 22 July.

The Act, which makes provision relating to the promotion of economic recovery and growth of the hospitality sector, makes changes to the Pavement Licence procedures and provides off-sales to all non-exempt premises until 11pm.

The following changes have been introduced to the Licensing Act 2003 and apply to on-licensed premises in England and Wales:

Pavement Licences

Hospitality business owners can apply to their local authority for a pavement licence to place furniture on part of the public highway to sell or serve food or drink. There must be regard to the needs of disabled people and reasonable provisions must be made for an outdoor smoke-free area

Off Sales

Existing conditions relating to external areas will continue to apply and off-sales are limited to 11pm.

Official Government guidance is available here.

Should you need any advice on this or any licensing law matter, please contact Matt Foster on 0191 281 6151 or email mfoster@mincoffs.co.uk