Government extends fast track licence scheme for yet another year

“The Business and Planning Act 2020 made temporary provision for a quicker and cheaper process to allow businesses in England selling food or drink to obtain authorisation from the Local Authority to place furniture such as tables and chairs on the highway adjacent to their premises – commonly called a Fast Track Pavement Licence.

This temporary provision was originally due to expire on 30th September 2021, but was extended by the Government until September 2022 and a year later extended again until 30th September 2023.

The Government has done the same again, extending the period during which the Fast Track Pavement Licence provisions continue to apply until 30th September 2024.

The relevant Regulations are the Business and Planning Act 2020 (Pavement Licences) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 and can be read here

Existing Fast Track Pavement Licences will expire on the 30th September 2023, so operators will need to make an application in good time to continue to benefit from the provisions beyond that date.

Some may question why it has taken the Government so long to sign these regulations into law.

The Regulations are a temporary stopgap, to allow operators to continue to benefit from the Fast Track Pavement Licence regime (should they so choose), pending the provisions in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill proceeding through Parliament, and hopefully obtaining Royal Assent in due course. The Levelling Up Bill proposes to make the Fast Track Pavement Licence regime permanent, although subject to certain changes, for example increasing the fees for an application, the consultation period, and the minimum and maximum durations a pavement licence may have effect.”

For further information contact associate solicitor Andy Grimsey.