The new national restrictions have unfortunately required some businesses to temporarily close. This was not a decision taken lightly. One of the ways in which we can support those businesses is by continuing to use the extended temporary freedom allowing buinesses to providing takeaway services for another year.
This will help businesses to keep staff and continue to serve customers. The relaxing of rules means that businesses wont have to go through the planning application process, it was originally intended to end on the 23rd of March but will stay in place for another year.
I understand the challenges that particularly pubs and restaurants are facing having to remain closed until the 2nd of December but, I hope the relaxation of rules will continue to provide a boost to businesses. Whilst they are restricted from selling alcohol on their premises to take away, they are still able to deliver alcohol or provide click and collect, meaning that pubs will still be able to sell alcohol to customers.
I campaigned for and will continue to back local pubs and restaurants to be able to sell alcohol as it is the main source of income for many village and local pubs in South Derbyshire and they need our support so they can sell to customers.
The government also helped businesses offer more alfresco dining by making it easier and less expensive to get an outdoor seating licence and is similarly keeping this under review.
Under the national restrictions currently in place, markets stall holders can sell takeaways from stalls. However, the stalls must not have seating areas.
These measures build on the extra government support provided to help businesses and protect jobs. Including an extension of the furlough scheme at 80% until the end of March, grants of up to £3,000 for premises that must close, and £1.1 billion for councils including in South Derbyshire to support local businesses.
