The Business and Planning Bill cleared the House of Commons on 29 June 2020.

The Bill had its second reading in the House of Commons on the same day as it also cleared the Committee stage.

Introducing the Bill on its second reading, The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma MP, said: “The overall aim of the Bill is to provide an adrenaline boost to key sectors of our economy. We want to support the hospitality sector by allowing outdoor dining and off-premises sale of alcohol, helping the sector back on its feet with the promise of al fresco dining for all this summer.”

Mike Amesbury MP said during the Committee stage: “The Government are asking Parliament to expedite the parliamentary progress of this Bill. In everyday circumstances, it would not be fast-tracked, but would be subject to a lower gear of progress. We are not in ordinary times or everyday circumstances, and the Opposition recognise, and have indeed constructively argued, that many of the measures outlined in the Bill need to be in place before the summer recess in order to be effective.

“If legislation is not passed in time, hospitality businesses and their customers will not be able to benefit from the flexibility and covid safety arrangement measures relating to outdoor seating and alcohol service over the coming months.”

You can read the Hansard for the second reading and committee stage:

• Business and Planning Bill
• Business and Planning Bill

The first reading in the House of Lords took place on 30 June 2020. The second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - takes place on 6 July.