JD Wetherspoon has announced a raft of new measures that will be implemented at its pubs to ensure staff and customers are safe when they reopen.
The firm, which has 13 pubs in and around Bristol, will reopen when it has the official go-ahead from the government, said a spokesperson.
Social distancing measures will see the employment of two full-time members of staff per pub who will regularly clean surfaces and touch points.
All of the chain's branches will have screens fitted at the till points and there will also be screens to create seating areas where it is not possible to separate the tables to the social distancing requirement.
The company will provide gloves, masks and protective eyewear for employees, who can choose whether to wear them or not.
There will be an average ten hand sanitiser dispensers dotted around each pub, including at the entrance for customers and staff to use.
Temperature checks on staff
Every Wetherspoon employee will need to complete and sign a daily health assessment questionnaire to confirm 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 barriers too in some boozers, with printed information providing guidance to customers as they enter.
Customers will be asked to use the Wetherspoon app when ordering, or pay at the bar using card and contactless payment, although cash will be accepted.
Reduced menu
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 also be delivered to the table by a member of staff.
The pubs will also offer a slightly reduced menu and will provide sachets, rather than their usual condiment bottles.
All staff will receive a full briefing and training on the new way of running the pubs.
Alex Gregory, manager at The Berkeley on Queens Road, Bristol, 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.
"The safety of staff and customers is paramount."
