All Moray pubs and restaurants to be allowed takeaway licenses amid coronavirus pandemic
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RESTAURANTS and pubs in Moray are to be allowed to offer takeaway services during the coronavirus pandemic.
Moray Council is relaxing its licensing arrangements, which will allow all bars and restaurants to operate a takeaway service without applying for planning permission.
The move comes after advice was given to the council from the Scottish Government, and will take place with immediate effect. The relaxed arrangements will remain until further notice.
Moray Council is aiming to ensuring local businesses can reduce the impact of coronavirus, according Chief Executive Roddy Burns.
He said: "We are doing all we can to minimise disruption, including recognising and responding to the difficulties our hospitality industry is facing, as the global pandemic worsens.
"By relaxing the rules around licensing, we hope many local businesses will take the opportunity to continue to offer their high-quality food and drink to our residents.
"Not only will this help maximise their income, it will allow residents, who are responsibly self-isolating or social distancing, to continue to support the businesses they love and reduce the risk of exposure to Covid-19.
"Locally, our experienced partners in Business Gateway are ready to speak with business owners, and I’d advise business owners take this opportunity to seek advice on how to work through the coming weeks and months, and how they can access financial assistance during the extremely challenging times which lie ahead."
