New rules will help make sure takeaway food businesses play their part in cleaning up high streets, or face financial penalties, the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has said.
Updated guidance will clarify the powers councils in England have to set stricter litter rules for new hot food takeaways when considering planning applications, including making sure that more bins are installed to reduce rubbish in the surrounding area.
The move will help create cleaner town centres, with figures showing that fast food items are the fourth most common type of litter found on UK high streets.
Levelling Up Secretary Greg Clark said: “We are empowering councils to make sure new takeaway food businesses are doing their bit to stop rubbish littering our high streets.
“It is just one of the many ways we are improving the environment and making sure we can all take pride in the local communities we call home.”
The guidance will give councils clear and consistent advice on what rules they can enforce when new takeaways open, such as ensuring they install more bins and anti-litter signs around shops or have staff members pick up litter regularly. Failing to adhere to these rules could result in financial penalties.
