Business and Planning Bill published in the House of Commons
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
The Government has published the Business and Planning Bill in the House of Commons designed to make provision relating to the promotion of economic recovery and growth.
So far there is no mention of relaxing Sunday trading laws in the Bill, although the Government continues to state that it is keeping Sunday trading under review.
The first reading took place on 30 June 2020. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords. The second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - takes place on 6 July.
IRC partner ACS will be monitoring the Bill's progress, which is scheduled to be fast-tracked through Parliament on a two week timetable, in case MPs attempt to table unfavourable amendments. ACS will also continue to co-ordinate the Keep Sunday Special campaign and maintain regular contact with the 50 Conservative backbench MPs that oppose Sunday trading reform to ensure that the government do not attempt to re-introduce the measures later in the year.
We are grateful to all members that have contacted their MPs raising their concerns about scrapping Sunday trading laws - this has been pivotal in making the government back down.
Looking more widely at the Business and Planning Bill it will:
- Make it easier for premises in England serving food and drink such as bars, restaurants and pubs to seat and serve customers outdoors through temporary changes to planning procedures and alcohol licensing.
- Change alcohol licensing to allow operators to serve alcohol for consumption off the premises and will also apply in Wales.
- Make temporary changes to the law relating to planning in England, as well as new, permanent provision for certain planning proceedings in England to be considered by means of more than one procedure.