Wetherspoon pubs reveal post-lockdown plans

The JD Wetherspoon pub chain has drawn up plans to ensure that its staff and customers are safe before its pubs reopen.
Wetherspoon, which has more than 20 pubs in Sussex, said itwill open when it has the official go-ahead from the government.(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)Wetherspoon, which has more than 20 pubs in Sussex, said itwill open when it has the official go-ahead from the government.(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Wetherspoon, which has more than 20 pubs in Sussex, said itwill open when it has the official go-ahead from the government.(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Once lockdown restrictions are eased and pubs are allowed to reopen, Wetherspoon staff will be provided with gloves, face masks and protective eyewear and the chain will run a reduced food menu.

The company, which has more than 20 pubs in Sussex, said it will open when it has the official go-ahead from the government.

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Wetherspoon bosses said that, whilst the government have not confirmed any reopening date for pubs, 'it is important that we are prepared for any announcement'. They added that the safety of staff and customers is 'paramount'.

A spokesperson said: "Social distancing measures will result in the employment of two full time staff per pub, slightly more for bigger pubs, who will regularly clean surfaces and touch points throughout the pubs."

Most pubs in the country have been closed since March 20, although some have recently started to offer a takeaway service.

Wetherspoon said it has undertaken 'extensive employee consultation' and has also consulted with many of its suppliers and contractors, as well as referring to UK Hospitality guidelines.

All of its pubs will have screens at the till point.

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There will also be screens to create seating areas where it is not possible to separate the tables to the social distancing requirement.

Have you read?: Every Wetherspoon pub in Sussex rated – how did your local do?The company said employees can choose whether to wear gloves, face masks and protective eyewear, 'subject to government guidelines'.

The spokesperson added: "There will be an average ten hand sanitiser dispensers around each pub, including at the entrance for customers and staff to use.

"Every employee will need to complete and sign a daily health assessment questionnaire to confirm that they are fit to work. This will include having their temperature taken using a

digital thermometer.

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"Dedicated staff will monitor the pubs at all times in order to maintain social distancing standards and there will be a member of staff on the door at peak times."

The pubs will use one entrance with a separate exit door 'where possible', whilst customer entry and exit will be marked out by floor stickers and/or barriers. There will be 'clear printed information' providing guidance to customers as they enter the pubs.

Visitors will also be asked to use the firm's app to order and pay, or use contactless at the bar where possible. Bottles of ketchup and mayonnaise will also be replaced by individual sachets.

"Each pub will have a member of staff working full time (two staff per pub to cover all opening hours) to sanitise all the contact points during opening hours," the spokesperson said.

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"These will include door handles, allergen information screens, card payment machines and hand rails.

"Staff will hand over all drinks holding the base of the glass and when ordered by the app they will be delivered to the table on a tray and placed on the table using the base of the glass.

Food will be delivered to the table by a member of floor staff."

Wetherspoon said all pubs will operate during its usual opening hours, with all staff to receive a full briefing and training on the new way of running the pubs.

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