Pub chain JD Wetherspoon making plans for safe reopening
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Pub chain JD Wetherspoon is drawing up plans to ensure that staff and customers are safe before reopening its bars, including The Alexander Bain in Wick.
The company said today it will open when it has the official go-ahead from the Scottish 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 premises.
Jamie Gunn, manager at The Alexander Bain, said: “At present the government has 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.”
JD Wetherspoon says it has carried out employee consultation and has also consulted with many of its suppliers and contractors, as well as referring to UK hospitality guidelines.
The Alexander Bain 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 for employees who can choose whether to wear them or not, subject to government guidelines.
There will be an average of 10 hand-sanitiser dispensers around the 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 having their temperature taken using a digital thermometer.
Dedicated staff will monitor the pub at all times in order to maintain social distancing and there will be a member of staff on the door at peak times.
The pub will use one entrance with a separate exit door where possible.
Customer entry and exit will be marked out by floor stickers and/or barriers and there will be clear printed information providing guidance to customers as they enter the pub.
The pub will have a member of staff working full-time (two staff per pub to cover all opening hours) to sanitise all the contact points during opening hours. These will include door handles, allergen information screens, card payment machines and hand rails.
Customers will be asked to use the Wetherspoon order and pay app, wherever possible, or pay at the bar using a credit/debit card and contactless, although cash will be accepted.
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 be delivered to the table by a member of floor staff.
The pub will also offer a slightly reduced menu and will provide sachets (such as ketchup, mayonnaise, salt pepper), rather than their usual condiment bottles.
It will be open its usual hours.
All staff will receive a full briefing and training on the new way of running the pub.
