Overview

This bill amends the Business and Planning Act 2020, primarily focusing on pavement licenses in England and Wales. Key changes include requirements for accessibility for disabled people, provisions for smoke-free seating, and extensions to temporary coronavirus-related measures. The bill also makes changes to local authority meeting provisions.

Description

The amendments to the Business and Planning Act 2020 cover several areas:

Pavement Licenses

The bill mandates that local authorities, when considering pavement licenses (allowing businesses to use pavement space for seating etc.), must prioritize the needs of disabled people, referencing relevant government guidance. It also introduces a requirement for businesses to offer smoke-free seating where food and drink are served. The Secretary of State gains the power to set specific conditions for pavement licenses.

Smoking

The bill clarifies the definition of "smoking" within the context of pavement licenses, aligning it with the Health Act 2006.

Coronavirus Measures

Several clauses extend temporary measures introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic, allowing the Secretary of State to extend or adjust provisions as needed, to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. These extensions relate to various aspects of business operation including alcohol sales. Specific details of these temporary provisions are not clear from the bill text.

Local Authority Meetings

The bill expands the definition of "local authority" in the Coronavirus Act 2020, to include various entities such as mayoral development corporations and Transport for London. This amendment concerns the conduct of these meetings.

Statutory Instruments

The bill introduces parliamentary scrutiny of regulations related to pavement licenses.

Government Spending

The bill's financial implications are not explicitly stated. It is likely to involve administrative costs for the Secretary of State's office in issuing guidance and for local authorities in implementing the changes. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Businesses with pavement licenses: These businesses will need to comply with new accessibility requirements and provide smoke-free seating.
• Disabled people: The amendments aim to improve their access to public spaces.
• Local authorities: They will have new responsibilities in regulating pavement licenses and considering the needs of disabled people.
• Secretary of State: They gain additional powers to regulate pavement licenses and to extend coronavirus-related provisions.
• Parliament: The bill enhances parliamentary oversight of regulations.

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