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UKHospitality COVID19 Update - 22 July
richardscamans • Jul 24, 2020
The change to licensing permitting the off sale and extending ourdoor areas for consumption automatically granted.
* The Planning and Business Act has received Royal Assent and will
have immediate effect. The Act introduces a new streamlined procedure to
apply for a pavement licence for eating and drinking out on the public
highway. The cost is capped at £100 and licences may be granted to
September 2021. The local authority will consult for 7 days and the
licence will be deemed granted after 14 days.
* As a result of amendments tabled in the House of Lords, some changes
have been made. Las must have regard to the needs of disabled people
when considering whether to grant a pavement licence and licence holders
must make reasonable provision for outside seating where smoking is not
permitted – in the areas covered by the new pavement licence. Pavement
licences guidance published [1]: Guidance to accompany pavement
licensing introduced in the Business and Planning Act 2020 has been
issued.
* There will also be a deregulation of the Licensing Act 2003 to allow
all premises to automatically extend their permissions to cover off
sales and consumption in all outside areas. Following amendments in the
House of Lords, off sales may only take place up to 11pm and any new
permissions for off sales do not apply to times when the premises
licence does not allow sales of alcohol for consumption in outdoor
areas. Guidance for temporary alcohol licensing provisions [2]: This
guidance relates to the alcohol licensing provisions in the Business and
Planning Act 2020.
Other Government Updates
* Government has published a series of updated COVID guidance
following announcements on reopening: Small meetings and functions for
fewer than 30 people can resume 1 August. Business events and
conferences can resume from 1 October provided rates of infection remain
at current levels. More information is available here [3]. Guidance on
how to work safely in the visitor economy [4] and in hotels and other
guest accommodation [5] has been updated to include guidance on business
events and meetings.
* Government is hosting a series of free webinars for hospitality
businesses and to hear your feedback on practical implementation,
clarification and amendment needed:
* Spa, gym and beauty 11am Tuesday 28 July Register here. [6]
* Restaurants, Pubs and Bars: 3pm, Tuesday 28 July Register here. [7]
* A new webinar on the Eat Out to Help Out scheme is also now
available on multiple dates register here [8]
* Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace [9]
includes a new section on collecting customer and visitor data, and with
information on if a worker develops symptoms and orders a test.
Government Consultations
* Business Rates call for evidence As part of a review of the business
rates system, HMT has published a call for evidence from the industry
here [10]. This call for evidence seeks views on how the business rates
system currently works, issues to be addressed, ideas for change and a
number of alternative taxes. Responses will be collected in two stages:
views on the multiplier and reliefs sections are requested by 18th
September in order to inform an interim report in the autumn to look at
interim rates to April 2023. Responses on all other sections are due by
31st October. UKH Working Groups will discuss options for reform and
provide consultation with members to feed into Government submissions
* The Government has today launched a public consultation [11] on the
Border Operating Strategy seeking views on what major transformations
the UK needs to deliver an effective digital border for trade
maximisation by 2025. Input and expertise from businesses and industry
will ensure that the future border is designed with the user in mind.
There will be a series of stakeholder workshops on cross border trade
email 2025borderstrategy@hmrc.gov.uk.
* The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has opened a new
enquiry on ‘Public Sector Procurement of Food [12]’. In its Call for
Evidence [13], which is open until 27th August, the Committee is asking
for comment on procurement rules, government buying standards and future
priorities. UKH will be making a detailed written submission in
association with the Food Service Management Group
Situation update 22 July 2020
* To see the number of cases of COVID-19 in England and the UK visit
the UK COVID-19 dashboard [14].
* To see the number of cases globally see the World Health Organisation
dashboard [15].
Links:
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Announcement!!!!
Useful information regarding the change that arrives in July
Christmas 2023
See the "About Us" page for more details on the benefits of becoming a member or
Join the LHA you can get involved in your local hotel community
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