Queen's speech: Good news for pubs
The Queen's speech unveiled two bits of good news for pubs.
The Queen confirmed the Government intended to go-ahead with legislation to reduce regulatory burden on businesses and simplify the planning process.
The Draft Regulatory & Sanctions Bill, proposes setting up the Local Better Regulation Office to encourage "less burdensome approaches" to regulation from groups such as trading standards and licensing departments.
Some small businesses fall foul of regulations innocently simply because they are so complicatedJohn WrightFSB
The Bill also proposes a "sanctions tool kit" to allow authorities to "deal with non-compliance in a proportionate way", including helping businesses obey laws.
Licensees could also find it easier to make structural changes to their pubs under new Government plans to streamline the planning process. No new planning application would be needed to make a minor variation to an existing building under the proposals.
Pubs would be able to "vary" existing planning rights, rather than submitting a new licence, if the local planning authority considers that the "variation sought is not material".
There is also a proposal for a standard application form to be used by all planning authorities in England. Currently, each authority has its own forms. Pubs would also be able to apply online.
The plans are included in the Government's White Paper, Planning for a Sustainable Future.
The aim of the proposal is to "offer greater freedom and flexibility" for, among others, "small businesses who wish to extend or improve their premises".
Federation of Small Businesses national chairman John Wright said: "We welcome the simplification of planning regulations as this will help small businesses make minor alterations to their premises and will assist the building trade.
"However, we have grave concerns that there may be less local input in major planning decisions and that such proposals will ease the planning process for large out-of-town developments that harm town centres and small businesses."
On easing the red tape burden, he added: "Any moves to ease the red tape burden on small firms will be of great benefit in theory. Some small businesses fall foul of regulations innocently simply because they are so complicated."
