As part of the measures the government is introducing to help the hospitality industry during the coronavirus outbreak, the Communities Secretary has confirmed that planning regulations will temporarily be relaxed to allow all pubs and restaurants to operate as takeaways of hot food and drinks to serve people staying at home.

Currently, a planning application for change of use class is required to convert pubs and restaurants to hot food takeaways. Under the emergency measures the government will allow a temporary change of use without an application. This time limited permitted development right will last for 12 months.

The government will introduce the measures as soon as possible through secondary legislation. 

Operators are reminded however that the sale of hot food and hot drink between 11:00pm and 05:00am will still require authorisation for late night refreshment under licensing law.