Covid Bill will see streets pedestrianised for trading and socialising

‘It would be the next step to enable people to enjoy the best of British hospitality in a Covid-secure way’

STREETS will be pedestrianised to make way for outdoor markets and more pubs will be allowed to sell takeaway pints under new laws introduced in Parliament today. The Business and Planning Bill – dubbed the Covid Bill – will relax planning laws so that car boot sales, summer fares and market stalls will not need to submit planning applications, to encourage more outdoor trading during the coronavirus pandemic.

Temporary changes to licensing laws will allow more pubs and restaurants to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises, meaning drinkers will be able to buy pints in disposable glasses to enjoy in local parks or on pavements, helping with social distancing.

Pubs and restaurants will also be able to use car parks and terraces as dining and drinking areas to increase the number of customers they can serve outdoors. Under current rules, they must specify a defined area in which they serve people, which does not include land designated for parking or other uses.

A Government spokesman said the measures would be “the next step to enable people to socialise this summer, and enjoy the best of British hospitality in a Covid-secure way, helping businesses get back on their feet and employees to return to work.”

The Bill will be fast-tracked through Parliament to help businesses that will be allowed to reopen on July 4, including pubs and restaurants.

Outdoor markets are already back in operation following earlier changes to lockdown rules.