Marquees set up by pubs and restaurants during the Covid pandemic could become permanent on-site fixtures, under government proposals. Ministers are consulting on plans to allow some of the extra seating introduced by outdoor hospitality to continue. Street markets may also be allowed to open all year, but a continuation of al fresco dining on roads is not planned.
The current consultation from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is examining the changes introduced during the pandemic to encourage customers to dine outdoors to reduce the spread of Covid. The plans include supporting communities to hold outdoor markets, by giving powers to local councils to grant them for an unlimited number of days. As they had previously only been allowed to be held for 14 days a year.
If you would like to your opinion to be considered as part of this open consultation, click here. Closes 19th November 2021.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group met regarding this topic. A video of the meeting can be found below.