The Government has today introduced The Coronavirus Act 2020 which comes into effect immediately

The Government has today introduced The Coronavirus Act 2020 which comes into effect immediately.

The Act covers many different areas, but the below provides a brief summary of the main provisions that touch on the licensed trade.

Firstly, the Act provides the power for directions to be issued in respect of events, gatherings and premises. As almost all leisure and hospitality businesses are closed it may seem academic but for example this could include limiting the number of people in attendance or requiring medical or emergency services to be in attendance at an event.

Secondly, it provides further powers for Courts and Tribunals to use both audio and video technology in proceedings and also, once a direction has been passed for Local Authorities to have the power to hold remote hearings.

Finally, it includes provisions for the extension of BID arrangements where the arrangements are due to expire on or before 31st December 2020. The arrangements will be extended to 31st March 2021.

There are of course many other non-licensing related provisions.

The full document can be seen here.