Coronavirus: Sheffield pubs and restaurants given permission to become takeaway after government relaxes planning rules

Normally there are strict planning rules around takeaways and venues can not offer the service without specific permission from the council.

But the government is waiving this so people who are forced to stay at home and are struggling to shop can get a hot meal.

It will also throw a lifeline to restaurants and pubs who were devastated earlier this week when Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised the public to steer clear of them from now on.

The Wadsley Jack pub had already started to offer homemade family sized steak pies and quiche for order or delivery.

John Crawshaw Butchers is offering to deliver to people's doors if they order over the phone or online, Beanies Wholefoods says it is increasing its capacity to deliver people's shopping and Worrall Road News says it will deliver anything from groceries to magazines.

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “We are committed to doing everything we can to tackle the pandemic and support people, businesses and communities through this difficult time.

“These changes will provide vital flexibility to pubs and restaurants and will ensure people are able to safely stay at home while still supporting some of the great local businesses across this country.”

The relaxations to planning rules will be put in place as soon as possible and will apply for up to 12 months. Alcoholic drinks won't be allowed to be part of the takeaway.