What Wetherspoons could look like when pubs reopen after lockdown

WETHERSPOONS has unveiled its masterplan to reopen its 875 pubs after lockdown measures are eased.
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Pubs and restaurants were shut in March following orders from the government.

Boris Johnson announced the easing of some lockdown measures last week, including the reopening of garden centres and unlimited outdoor activities.

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However pubs remain shut, with no time frame for when they can open again.

Wetherspoons around PortsmouthWetherspoons around Portsmouth
Wetherspoons around Portsmouth

Despite this JD Wetherspoons has revealed how its pubs will look once they reopen.

The chain said each pub will hire two full-time workers to regularly clean surfaces and touch points throughout, with more employed in larger pubs.

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Customers will be expected to sanitise their hands when they arrive at a Wetherspoons pub, with dispensers spread around inside pubs.

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In a detailed update, Wetherspoon's added: ‘There will be an average 10 hand sanitiser dispensers around the pub, including at the entrance for customers and staff to use.’

The company also said customers would be closely watched to ensure social distancing.

It explained: ‘Dedicated staff will monitor the pub 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.’

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Wetherspoons is planning to implement a one-way system, as seen in supermarkets since the lockdown began, through the bar as well as when customers head to the bathrooms.

To protect staff they will wear eye protection, masks and gloves and tills will be screened off – a measure which has become common practice in other businesses.

Food will also be served again, but with a reduced menu to allow kitchen staff enough safe space and condiments including ketchup, salt and pepper will only be available in sachets.

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Staff will also need to complete and sign a daily health assessment questionnaire to confirm that they are fit to work and have a digital thermometer temperature check.

If you order drinks via the Wetherspoons app, a tray will be placed on a table and customers will take the drinks themselves.

The chain will encourage people to make the most of its outdoor gardens at pubs where this is applicable and is planning to install screens around indoor tables to help social distancing.

Customers will also be encouraged to use the app and pay with card, but cash payments at the till will still be allowed.

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