Jane Stevenson, MP for Wolverhampton North East, is pushing for pubs in Wolverhampton to be allowed to reopen as soon as possible by letting them use additional outdoor space such as pavements to ensure social distancing.
Jane has tabled a Question in Parliament to ministers at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy asking what assessment they have made of the merits of allowing pubs and restaurants to use additional outdoor spaces when they reopen.
She wants to see pubs reopen as soon as possible, as long as it is safe to do so. Jane understands that the Government is urgently working on a plan to allow pubs to reopen before the end of the month, with planning restrictions potentially eased to temporarily allow them to expand their outdoor space.
Jane said: “Pubs are the pillar of communities across Wolverhampton, and during the coronavirus outbreak many of them have adapted to offer takeaway services as well as provide support to our vulnerable and elderly residents.
“But I know many people have missed being able to enjoy a pint with friends at their local. It is only right that as we gradually ease lockdown restrictions, we should explore every option to allow our pubs and restaurants to reopen.
“The UK’s hospitality sector has been hit particularly hard by this crisis, so I am asking the Government to look at whether the use of additional outdoors spaces would allow our local pubs to reopen more quickly and in a safe way that prevents the spread of coronavirus.”
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