Wetherspoon Unveils Masterplan For Reopening Its Pubs

Wetherspoon has announced its plans to reopen 875 pubs across the UK, with new safety measures including temperature checks and social distancing screens.

In a statement issued today, the chain revealed how it will safely restore its service, once given the green light from the government.

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These measures include the employment of two full time members of staff per pub (or more for bigger establishments) who will solely be in charge of cleaning surfaces and touch points.

Although Wetherspoon will encourage punters to sit outside, there will be screens inside to create seating areas where it is "not possible to separate tables to social distancing requirement".

PPE including gloves, masks and protective eyewear will also be offered to staff, although it is up to them if they want to wear it (in line with government guidelines).

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On average, there will be 10 hand sanitiser station around each pub, including at the entrance and every member of staff will have to complete a daily health assessment questionnaire to confirm that they are fit to work.

This will include having their temperature taken using a digital thermometer.

Where possible, there will be one entrance with a separate exit door.

When it comes to payments, customers will be asked to use an app wherever possible or pay at the bar using card and contactless. Cash will be accepted, however.

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When serving, staff will hand over drinks held at the base of the glass or they will be delivered to the table on a tray.

Food will be delivered to the table by a member of floor staff. A reduced menu will also be introduced and condiments will no longer be in bottles.

Opening hours will remain as normal which is on average, 8am to midnight (Sunday to Thursday) and 8am to 1am (Friday and Saturday).

Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said: "At present the government have not confirmed any reopening date for pubs.

"However, it is important that we are prepared for any announcement.

"We have spent a number of weeks consulting with staff who work in our pubs, as well as area managers in order to draw up our plans.

"We have received more than 2,500 suggestions from our staff. The safety of our staff and customers is paramount."

Topics: News, Wetherspoon, Coronavirus

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine