Outdoor dining and takeaway pints to form part of government 'levelling up' drive

Extending relaxed rules around outdoor dining and takeaway pints will form part of government plans to 'level up' the country, the prime minister is expected to say.

In a speech this week Boris Johnson will unveil plans to rejuvenate UK high streets to tackle regional inequalities across the country.

Pavement licences are to be extended and then made permanent, with the aim of making it easier and cheaper for restaurants, pubs and cafes to serve more customers outdoors.

Temporary permission for pubs to serve takeaway pints will continue for another 12 months in a bid to boost hospitality industry sales.

Some £25m has been committed to build new grass roots sports facilities as part of plans to support local sports teams.

A government spokesperson said: "The prime minister is determined to level up the UK and deliver a fairer, stronger society - one where whatever your background and wherever you live, everyone can access the opportunities they need to succeed.

"While talent and potential is distributed evenly across this country, opportunity is not.

"That's why as we emerge from the pandemic, it's vital that we do not make the mistakes of recovery from the financial crash and seize this moment to ensure a better quality of life for people in every part of the UK."

A consultation on the plans will follow the prime minister's speech ahead of the publication of a white paper this autumn.

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