Wetherspoons are preparing to reopen in Glasgow amid news the Scottish Government could allow pubs to welcome customers through their doors as early as July 15.
This afternoon, Nicola Sturgeon issued Scots with major updates on lockdown easing, including the news a provisional date for the reopening of beer gardens on Monday July 6.
Ahead of today's Scottish Government announcement, Wetherspoons had already been preparing for a return in Scotland, with hundreds of pubs due to open in England on July 4.
A Wetherspoons spokesperson confirmed to Glasgow Live this morning: "We will open all our pubs in Scotland as and when the Scottish Government gives the go ahead."
A statement went on to confirm opening hours and a raft of social distancing measures to be put in place when pubs get the green light to serve up pints once again: "JD Wetherspoon has drawn up plans to ensure that its staff and customers are safe before its pubs reopen. The company, which has eight pubs in and around Glasgow, will open when it has the official go-ahead from the Scottish Government.
"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.
"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. There will also be screens to create seating areas where it is not possible to separate the tables to the social distancing requirement.
"Wetherspoon will provide gloves, masks and protective eyewear. Employees can elect whether to wear them or not, subject to government guidelines.
"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.
"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. Customer entry and exit will be marked out by floor stickers and/or barriers and there will be clear printed information providing guidance to customers as they enter the pubs.
"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. These will include door handles, allergen information screens, card payment machines and hand rails.
"Customers will be asked to use the Wetherspoon order and pay app, wherever possible, or pay at the bar using a credit/debit card and contactless, although cash will be accepted. 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.
"The pubs will also offer a slightly reduced menu and will provide sachets (ketchup, mayonnaise, salt pepper etc), rather than their usual condiment bottles.
"They will be open their usual opening hours, which on average is 8am to midnight (Sunday to Thursday) and 8am to 1am (Friday and Saturday).
"All staff will receive a full briefing and training on the new way of running the pubs."
Meanwhile Michael Murphy, manager at The Counting House, at George Square, commented: "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.
"The safety of staff and customers is paramount."
The pubs referenced in the statement are:
The Counting House in St. Vincent Place
The Crystal Palace in Jamaica Street
The Hengler’s Circus in Sauchiehall Street
The Sir John Moore in Argyle Street
Sir John Stirling Maxwell in Kilmarnock Road
The Society Room in West George Street
The Kirky Puffer in Kirkintilloch
The Esquire House in Great Western Road, Anniesland
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