Pubs giant JD Wetherspoon on Friday outlined reopening plans, including how sites will look when the lockdown lifts.
The firm, chaired by Tim Martin, will invest an initial £11 million to get its estate prepared for reopening in line with social distancing guidelines. Among the long list of measures unveiled today is having screens at tills and 10 hand sanitiser dispensers on average per pub.
JD Wetherspoon said it will open its 875 pubs across the UK and the republic of Ireland when it has the official go-ahead from the relevant governments.
The earliest pubs can reopen in Britain is from July 4 under current guidelines.
JD Wetherspoon’s plans for venues include: having screens to create seating areas where it is not possible to separate the tables to the social distancing requirement; employees having the option to wear gloves and masks; having a reduced menu.
The company added that 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.
Sites will use one entrance with a separate exit door where possible.
JD Wetherspoon’s 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.”
Hutson added that the safety of staff and customers “is paramount”.
Almost 700 of Wetherspoon’s pubs have either a beer garden, terrace or outside patio area.
