Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy noticeThousands more pubs will be able to open next month after ministers ruled gazebos and marquees can go up without planning permission. Councils have also been ordered to let bars and restaurants allow al-fresco dining from April 12, when outdoor serving returns, reports said. Whitehall figures suggest the move will allow 9,000 additional venues to open next month rather than having to wait for indoor serving in May. A new £56million Welcome Back Fund has also been earmarked to help towns and cities get ready to throw open their doors. Councils will be able to apply for cash to hold beer and food festivals in high streets to get people back to shops.

Source: Daily Mirror March 19, 2021 23:03 UTC