Pubs to get fast-track measures to serve in beer gardens and shops open ‘all day’ on Sundays

PUBS will be fast-tracked to serve in beer gardens and shops could be open all day on Sundays under new government plans.

Ministers want to make it easier for pubs to adapt as the coronavirus lockdown is eased and will give landlords more freedom to serve thirsty punters outside.

Pubs and bars have been shut since March, but Boris Johnson is keen to get them back open by some time this month.

Breweries are reportedly aiming to produce a mammoth 250million pints and deliver them in just two weeks’ time.

No10 wants to cut red tape where possible to help the hospitality and retail sectors badly impacted by the lockdown.

Under the new plans, local authorities fees will be ditched for cafes and restaurants who want to seat diners outside.

SUNDAY SHOPPING

Sunday trading laws could also be suspended for a year under Mr Johnson’s scheme to get Britain back to business, the Times reports.

Supermarkets will be allowed to open for more than six hours on Sundays, under the legislation being drawn up by No10.

Chains that have smaller convenience stores are said to be unhappy about the proposals, but others including Asda and Morrisons are believed to keen.

The PM, Dominic Cummings, his chief adviser, and Chancellor Rishi Sunak are all backing the plans.

However, not all in the party are in favour, with Mark Spencer, the chief whip, worried that it could be opposed by a large group of  traditionalist Tory MPs.

Former prime minister David Cameron was forced to drop plans to extend Sunday trading hours in 2016 after suffering a humiliating Commons defeat which saw 27 Tories joining forces with opposition parties.

‘GREAT RECOVERY BILL’

Mr Johnson is drawing a package of measures as Britain eases out of the lockdown, including a ‘Great Recovery Bill’.

The PM has told ministers to come up with ideas to help companies adapt to the chaos caused by the covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile government officials have also been instructed to ensure there are different ways key services can operate under social distancing, the Daily Mail reports.

Mr Johnson’s plan could include planning reforms – with ministers believing new housing, roads and broadband key to the country bouncing back.

A Government source said: “Departments are being asked to identify the things they need to keep services going, but also the changes that would free up the economy and get business moving again once we start to open up.

“The idea is to then put them all into one big piece of legislation that helps get the recovery going.”

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