Wetherspoon dismisses closure claim as 'fake news'
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Reports in some newspapers stating that the Wick branch of JD Wetherspoon was one of 16 earmarked for closure have been dismissed as "fake" by the company.
Eddie Gershon, communications manager for JD Wetherspoon, said: "This is fake news. The pub is NOT closing."
Mr Gershon said he did not know where the story had come from but he emphasised that it was "completely untrue".
Various regional papers stated yesterday that the company had "announced it will be closing 16 pubs across the UK".
In one, there was even a quote attributed to Mr Gershon stating: "It is a commercial decision taken by the company taken after long consideration."
The "fake news" article had said that the Wetherspoon pub in Wick, The Alexander Bain, was one of 16 throughout the UK set to close with the hope that a "new buyer" would be found.
When Wetherspoon branches reopen there will be new safety measures in place to protect staff and customers.
The number of menu items will be reduced and employees will be wearing face masks and protective eyewear when they serve drinks.
The Alexander Bain will have screens at the till point and 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 hand-sanitiser dispensers around the pub, including at the entrance, for customers and staff to use.
