Al fresco dining and takeaway pints to drive 'levelling up' strategy for UK high streets

By James McAllister

- Last updated on GMT

Al fresco dining and takeaway pints to drive 'levelling up' strategy for UK high streets

Related tags Alfresco dining Government

An extension to the relaxation of rules related to takeaway pints and al fresco dining are at the centre of Boris Johnson’s plan to 'level up' the country.

In a speech this week, the Prime Minister is set to launch a new strategy to regenerate the UK's high streets under the umbrella of 'levelling up', which was touted in the 2019 general election as a drive to fix regional inequalities in the UK.

Pavement licences are to be extended and then made permanent, with the aim of making it easier and cheaper for pubs, restaurants and cafes to set up tables outside and serve more customers.

Temporary permissions for pubs to serve takeaway alcohol are also set to be extended for 12 months, in what is hoped to be a boost to the hospitality industry.

The speech will kick off a summer of consultations before the publication of the Levelling Up White Paper in the autumn.

A Government spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister is determined to level up the UK and deliver a fairer, stronger society – one where whatever your background and wherever you live, everyone can access the opportunities they need to succeed.

“While talent and potential is distributed evenly across this country, opportunity is not.

“That’s why, as we emerge from the pandemic, it’s vital that we do not make the mistakes of recovery from the financial crash and seize this moment to ensure a better quality of life for people in every part of the UK.”

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