GNF Members Update 26 June - Issue 52



Dear Member

After the flurry of yesterday, we are pleased that the Government backed UK Hospitality protocols have now been published, and we also share other guidances and adjustments to regulatory procedures and licences. 

UK Hospitality Guidance
Earlier we emailed the Membership with the UK Hospitality Guidance, the link to which we repeat below. This guidance has the support of the Government and VisitEngland and provides an agreed comprehensive sector by sector set of protocols on how to manage tourism premises in a Covid-secure manner.
 
Business & Planning Bill: Pubs, Cafes & Restaurants
Sets out changes to legislation to support business recovery. Key features are:
  • reducing the consultation period for pavement licences to from 28 calendar days to 5 working days, and consent after 10 working days if the council does not issue a decision
  • a lower application fee for a pavement and street cafe licence of up to £100
  • removing planning applications for outdoor markets and marquees, so they can be set up for longer
  • more freedoms for areas to hold car-boot sales and summer fairs
  • doubling the length of time for temporary structures without needing planning permission.
  • Doubling existing right for the temporary use of land from 14 days to 28 days for holding a market, and from 28 days to 56 days for any other purpose.

Draft Guidance: Pavement Licences
Linked to Business & Planning Bill is a streamlined process to allow pubs, restaurants and cafes to place removable furniture on footpaths outside their premises :
  • fee capped at £100
  • consultation period is only 5 working days
  • applications not decided in 5 working days will be deemed granted
  • licence for a year but not beyond 30 September 2021
  • premises for the sale of food or drink for consumption (on or off the premises) can apply for a licence
  • businesses with no alcohol license or not registered to sell food and drink, will still need to apply for these.
  • licence is deemed to be planning permission so this is not required when a licence is granted
Furniture that can be used :
  • counters or stalls for selling or serving food or drink
  • tables, counters or shelves on which food or drink can be placed
  • chairs, benches or other forms of seating
  • umbrellas, barriers, heaters and other articles used in connection with the outdoor consumption of food or drink.

Hampshire Economic Trends Survey
HCC are asking businesses to complete a survey to understand the economic trends affecting business in Hampshire. Feedback from the survey will be used to evidence the needs of businesses for the future recovery of the region. Developed with the University of Portsmouth the survey results will help focus future resources in the future, it is entirely confidential and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Link to survey here


Upcoming GNF Virtual Sector Group Meetings
The following Sector Group Zoom meetings have been scheduled - invitations will be sent to each group with agenda and joining instructions. Please note that due to the constant churn of meetings, we are unable to provide notes of each meeting.
Hotels PIR Group - Wednesday 1 July at 11am
Attractions, Activities & Events - Tuesday 14 July at 11am
Bed & Breakfast - Wednesday 15 July at 2pm
Self-Catering - Thursday 16 July at 11am
Holiday Parks & Camp Sites - Thursday 16 July at 2pm

Covid-19 Related Suppliers
We are adding Member recommended suppliers to our rolling list, so please send any of your own recommended suppliers/services that will assist our members in preparing and operating during the re-opening phase to members@gonewforest.com .

With best wishes,

Anthony