CHANGE ALLOWS ANOTHER 9,000 PUBS TO REOPEN FROM APRIL

The Government has changed rules which will allow thousands more pubs to open in england next month.

The ruling means more pubs than expected will be able to start serving customers from April 12.

The rule change – which allows pubs to erect gazebos and marquees – means they can serve outside when the rules on lockdown in england update on April 12.

The Government says this will allow another 9,000 venues to reopen.

The rule states that any venue – even those with listed status – can put up a marquee or temporary structure of any size on their land without planning permission, and keep it up ’til September. It follows earlier news that pubs without a beer garden can put chairs and tables in their car parks.

And venues with pavement access will be able to put out tables and chairs for dining without having to go through the public consultation process that usually takes weeks.

At the same time, councils can apply for a share of

£56 million – a Welcome Back Fund – set aside for food or beer festivals to stimulate hospitality.

The money can be used for facilities such as outdoor seating, street cleaning, graffiti removal and planting.

housing, Communities and Local Government Minister Robert Jenrick said “We have cut needless red tape to make it easier for pubs and restaurants to set up marquees, making the most of outdoor space and giving more people the chance to enjoy a meal or pint.