Hospitality businesses will have greater flexibly to set up marquees and provide more outdoor space for diners as restrictions ease, the Government has announced.
The measures form part of a wider support package announced at the weekend by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick, which also includes a new £56m 'Welcome Back Fund' intended to help councils boost tourism, improve green spaces and provide more outdoor seating areas, markets and food stall pop-ups.
Businesses such as pubs and restaurants, including those with premises that are in listed buildings, will be able to erect gazebos and marquees without obtaining planning permission in a bid to get more of the sector open when restrictions on outdoor hospitality settings are due to lift on 12 April.
The temporary shelters will be allowed to be kept up for the whole summer, rather than the 28 days currently permitted.