'Out of touch' – divided business owners share their reactions...

Business owners are divided on plans to introduce a wave of new cafes, bars, music venues and outdoor dining options into the UK's towns and communities, as the Government slashes red tape to breathe new life into the high street.

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While one welcomed the move as “the most economically literate decision Labour has made in years”, other business owners were more sceptical, saying the government is completely out-of-touch given that few can afford to go out given its policies and that currently empty shops will be replaced by empty cafes in 18 months' time. Another worried it risks making our pavements and town centres even more inaccessible for disabled people.

The government, it announced overnight, will introduce a new National Licensing Policy Framework, which will modernise outdated planning and licensing rules — cutting the cost, complexity and time it takes to open and operate hospitality venues, and helping small businesses grow and communities reconnect.

The reforms, the Government claims, will make it easier to convert disused shops into hospitality venues, and protect longstanding pubs, clubs, and music venues from noise complaints by new developments - ensuring the buzz of the high street can thrive without being silenced.