Patrick Dardis, the chief executive of pub company Young’s, on Thursday called on the government to “move swiftly” and relax social distancing for venues like his, to one metre, in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
Pub owners, which had to shut sites in March when the lockdown came in, are working towards reopening from next month, and seeking more details on social distancing plans.
Some countries have adopted the one metre distancing guidance, and the Prime Minister last week said he hoped the two metre social distancing rule could be reduced.
Dardis said: “I am working on the basis that when we reopen in the summer, the guidance will be for one metre. If it is good enough for WHO and other countries then it is good enough for us. I would urge the government to move swiftly and adopt that guidance.”
He added that for most companies a two metre rule would not be financially viable for many sites.
Dardis told the Evening Standard: “Having a one metre guideline would allow us to open more pubs and employ more staff.”
He added that having the longer distance “is totally unsocial" and will not be adhered to by many.
His comments came as Young’s said it plans to reopen its pubs in August with one metre social distancing in place.
The firm, which has 276 pubs, most of which are in London, said it may potentially start trading from some of its larger venues and those with beer gardens in mid-July. But the main plan is to have all sites open on August 3.
A thorough cleaning & sanitising regime will be in place.
To promote social distancing customers will be encouraged to order and pay using apps.
