The Written Statement session discussed the outcome of a consultation regarding the continuation of temporary measures under the Business and Planning Act 2020, specifically related to alcohol licensing in licensed pavement areas. Initially introduced to support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, these measures allowed premises licensed for on-sales to also make off-sales. Three potential options for making these measures permanent were proposed for consultation:

1. Permanently adopting the provisions.
2. Extending the definition of on-sales in the Licensing Act 2003.
3. Allowing on-sales-only premises to make off-sales where a pavement license is held.

The consultation ran from May 16 to July 11, 2024, and received 67 complete responses predominantly expressing disagreement with all three proposals, leading to the decision against maintaining these easements long-term. As a result, the provision allowing off-sales is set to expire on March 31, 2025, reverting to the pre-COVID legislative framework. Nonetheless, the Government intends to simplify the process for pubs wishing to continue provisions by treating licensing amendments related to off-sales as minor variations, which are faster and less costly to process.

The Government also plans to monitor local licensing authority decisions and, if necessary, consider further measures to support pubs if they face unreasonable rejection of off-sales applications.