Wetherspoons reveals reopening plans for pubs - with these social distancing measures in place

The company, which has numerous popular pubs throughout South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, will open when it has the official go-ahead from the 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 checking their health by having their temperature taken using a digital thermometer.

Dedicated staff will also 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, the company said.

Ben Leese, manager at The Gate House in Priory Walk, High Street, Doncaster town centre, said: “At present the government have not confirmed any reopening date for pubs.

“However, it is important that we are prepared for any announcement.”

He added: “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.”

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