Under the Alcohol Licensing (Coronavirus) (Regulatory Easements) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, automatic off licence flexibility will be extended to 30 September 2022.
The regulations, to be debated in Parliament, will also increase the annual Temporary Event Notice (TEN) allowance from 15 to 20 for 2022 and 2023.
The maximum number of days on which temporary events may be held will be increased from 21 to 26.
Flexibility for businesses
UKHospitality boss Kate Nicholls described the amended regulations as “positive news for businesses that have been hard hit over the course of the pandemic.”
“UKHospitality has pushed hard for these extensions so we are grateful that the Home Office has listened and acted," she said. "All and any support for the sector will be vital on the long road to recovery and these measures mean businesses can continue to be flexible with how they operate and utilise additional opportunities of generating valuable revenue.
“Temporary Event Notices are particularly helpful for venues that want to hold one-off events or celebrations, so boosting the number permitted over the next two years is very welcome and increases the number of money-making opportunities.”
Staff shortages
The trade body called on the Government to also reduce “strict licensing conditions” on door supervisors amid a sector-wide staff shortage.
UKH said it would like to see new applications fast tracked and plans for new requirements from October suspended as they would “risk leaving many vacancies unfilled.”
The UK Door Security Association (UKDSA) and Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) have pleaded ministers for a relaxation of training requirements to help solve shortages.
The organisations have previously warned that six-in-10 door supervisor positions were at risk of being unfilled for pubs, nightclubs, bars and festivals.
Fresh training standards require double the hours, taking seven-and-a-half days to complete compared to a previous four day course.