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Coronavirus: Wetherspoons sets out post-lockdown plan for pubs Coronavirus: Wetherspoons sets out post-lockdown plan for pubs
(32 minutes later)
The pub chain Wetherspoons has outlined plans for reopening hundreds of pubs once lockdown restrictions are eased.The pub chain Wetherspoons has outlined plans for reopening hundreds of pubs once lockdown restrictions are eased.
Staff will be provided with face masks and protective eyewear and the chain will run a reduced food menu.Staff will be provided with face masks and protective eyewear and the chain will run a reduced food menu.
Wetherspoons boss John Hutson said: "The safety of our staff and customers is paramount".Wetherspoons boss John Hutson said: "The safety of our staff and customers is paramount".
Most UK pubs have been closed since 20 March, although some have recently started to offer takeaway drinks.Most UK pubs have been closed since 20 March, although some have recently started to offer takeaway drinks.
Wetherspoons said that it planned to invest an initial £11m on the new measures to protect drinkers and its workers.Wetherspoons said that it planned to invest an initial £11m on the new measures to protect drinkers and its workers.
Stopping the spread of Covid-19 Stopping Covid
Under the new rules, each pub will have about 10 hand sanitiser stations, including one at the entrance for customers to use.Under the new rules, each pub will have about 10 hand sanitiser stations, including one at the entrance for customers to use.
Pub-goers will also be asked to use the firm's app to order and pay, or use contactless at the bar where possible, in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19.Pub-goers will also be asked to use the firm's app to order and pay, or use contactless at the bar where possible, in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19.
Bottles of ketchup and mayonnaise will also be replaced by individual sachets.
They will also be encouraged to sit outside in pub gardens, while some indoor seating areas will be separated by Perspex screens.They will also be encouraged to sit outside in pub gardens, while some indoor seating areas will be separated by Perspex screens.
Bar staff will have their temperatures taken on-site and will be asked to sign a daily health assessment.Bar staff will have their temperatures taken on-site and will be asked to sign a daily health assessment.
The firm said it is also planning to hire two new full-time employees per pub, charged with sanitising door handles and hand rails as well as ensuring that customers are sticking to social distancing measures.The firm said it is also planning to hire two new full-time employees per pub, charged with sanitising door handles and hand rails as well as ensuring that customers are sticking to social distancing measures.
The chain's 875 pubs across the UK and Ireland will not, however, reduce their trading hours.The chain's 875 pubs across the UK and Ireland will not, however, reduce their trading hours.
Mr Hutson, the Wetherspoons boss, added that although the government has not yet confirmed any reopening date for pubs, "it is important that we are prepared for any announcement."Mr Hutson, the Wetherspoons boss, added that although the government has not yet confirmed any reopening date for pubs, "it is important that we are prepared for any announcement."
The government has said that pubs could reopen on 4 July at the earliest if the UK meets targets to suppress the virus. The government has said that pubs in England could reopen on 4 July at the earliest if the UK meets targets to suppress the virus.
The British Beer & Pub Association previously called on the government to halve the two-metre social distancing rule. Decisions on easing lockdown in Wales, Scotland and Northern Irelandare the responsibility of each national government.
The British Beer & Pub Association previously called on the UK government to halve the two-metre social distancing rule.
It said many pubs would struggle under those guidelines, and pointed out that the World Health Organisation suggests a one metre distance instead.It said many pubs would struggle under those guidelines, and pointed out that the World Health Organisation suggests a one metre distance instead.
Some pubs are currently open but are only allowed to operate as takeaways. Some pubs in England are currently open but are only allowed to operate as takeaways.