Bars and pubs may be close to reopening in some parts of the UK, but they’re going to look different when they open their doors.
Venues that were previously standing room only will need ways to control the crowds. And, pubs that were typically walk-in venues will need ways to manage guest flow.
To help handle any new restrictions, online restaurant booking portal OpenTable will let customers reserve a seat at a favourite local bar or pub.
If the venue is full, guests can join a virtual waitlist and receive phone alerts when their reservation is ready to avoid waiting in line outside the bar.
Andrea Johnston, of OpenTable, said: "Bars and pubs must operate differently when they reopen.
"OpenTable is here to help with software that enables them to accept reservations, manage capacity, attract guests, and maximise revenues.
“When the time comes, people will be able to visit their favourite places to socialise without waiting in lines or worrying about crowds.”
While select bars and pubs offering food have previously been on the platform, OpenTable is now also available to all drinking establishments globally.
“When we are able to reopen, we will be facing unprecedented social distancing requirements and capacity limitations.
"The ability to effectively manage our table bookings system will help us hugely with coordinating the number of people coming through our doors and enable us to keep our guests as safe as possible,” says pub owner Will Partridge.
Bar boss Max Cuccaru added: "We are looking at all the ways we can keep our guests safe and manage how many people we can accommodate.
"With OpenTable we are not only able to take reservations, but also give guests the opportunity to add themselves to a waitlist and receive alerts when we are able to welcome them in.”
