Covid 19 - What you need to know - Government extends takeaway service

This morning (11th November), the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick announced restaurants, pubs and cafes will get automatic freedoms to provide takeaway services for another year.

The relaxation announced during the first lockdown will now be extended until 23rd March 2022.

This means that businesses could offer a takeaway service through to 22nd March 2022, without having to go through a planning application process.

In July, the government also made it easier for businesses and communities to host markets and stalls. This temporary change had been due to expire on 31 December 2020 and is now being extended by another year until 31 December 2021.

The temporary change to the law are aimed at providing greater freedom over how people use their land. The change has doubled the length of time that temporary structures can be placed on land without needing an application for planning permission from 14 days to 28 days for holding a market or motor car and motorcycle racing, and from 28 days to 56 days for any other purpose.

This should make it easier to host markets, stalls, marquees, car boot sales and fairs for longer without needing a planning application.

Announcing the extensions the Minster made the following comments:

“ … I am extending these simple but effective reforms to support these businesses – helping give them and their employees more certainty over the coming year. It will also be a boost for their customers who can now look forward to continuing to enjoy meals at home from their favourite restaurants. As these reforms have made such a difference, I will be considering making them permanent.”