Rushcliffe Borough Council is reminding food and drink business owners of how they can operate safely during COVID-19.
In March, planning rules were changed by central government to allow restaurants, cafes and pubs to apply to run as takeaways for up to 12 months and the authority wishes to support businesses wherever possible as they make any transition to the new model.
Once a licence has been secured, owners then need to work with the Council’s Licensing and Environmental Health teams to trade safely.
A Rushcliffe Borough Council spokesperson said: “We were alerted on May 19 to some businesses in the Borough with relevant takeaway licences in place adopting outdoor seating areas for customers.
“We are now working with business owners to reiterate how they can operate safely in line with their licence, current social distancing and further measures outlined by our Licensing and Environmental Health teams.”
This includes ensuring outdoor seating areas are not available until further notice and safe social distancing and queuing measures inside and outside the premises are in place.
All food and drink must then be taken away from the premises and customers advised to not congregate outside the business within guidelines outlined by government here https://bit.ly/2zSNuho.
Applications to change to takeaway status can be made by emailing planningandgrowth@rushcliffe.gov.uk or by calling 0115 981 9911.
Further information is available on the government website at https://bit.ly/2TmpVUW
