Hundreds of hospitality and leisure businesses across North Somerset have been issued with advice ahead of plans to open up the industry next month.
North Somerset Council has taken on the mammoth task of contacting 1200 businesses across the district to help them prepare for an anticipated opening in early July.
The Government has said it is keen to open up the leisure and hospitality industry by early July, subject to all its tests to allow continued lifting of the lockdown being met.
The authority has issued hotels, guest houses, pubs, restaurants, cafes and health clubs with advice and information on what they need to be doing in order to re-open safely.
The Government lock down has had a huge impact on leisure and hospitality industry.
North Somerset welcomes seven million visitors each year, pumping nearly £400 million into the local economy.
The advice includes how businesses to ensure two metre social distancing rules are adhered to all times, even among staff working in a kitchen.
Extra cleaning should be carried out to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus and queues should be monitored at all times.
Tables outside cafés need to be two metres apart with a two metre distance in place for passing pedestrians.
Toilets in leisure and hospitality business should be ‘regularly’ cleaned and cleaning wipes provided for customers to wipe down facilities before they use them.
Checks will need to be carried out on the water systems where businesses have remained shut for three months minimise the risk of legionella.
The council has also issued advice to businesses to ensure their premises are pest free and that all measures have been taken to minimise.
Advice has also been issued relating to off-sales of alcohol, outdoor seating areas, markets and street traders.
North Somerset Council executive member for regulatory services Councillor Mike Bell said:“We recognise that the hospitality trade has been one of the hardest hit areas and it’s important that we support our local businesses as much as we can as they prepare for re-opening.
“Contacting them all now with advice on how to open safely and signposting them to the relevant government guidance will enable them to put all the necessary measures in place in readiness for when they can open their doors again.
“But it’s not all down to the businesses themselves. When they do re-open it’s up to us, the customers, to do our bit and follow the guidance. It will only work if everyone plays their part.”
If businesses have any enquiries they should contact covid.safety@n-somerset.gov.uk. The advice being sent to businesses is also available on the innorthsomerset website
Links to government guidance to retail premises preparing to re-open later this month can also be found there.
