JD Wetherspoon has drawn up plans to ensure that its staff and customers are safe before its Isle of Wight pubs re-open – but that is likely to be several weeks away yet.
The company, which operates S. Fowlers & Co. in Union Street, Ryde and The Man in the Moon in St James Street, Newport, will open when it has the official go-ahead from the government.
Opening hours are expected to be as normal for each pub.
Social distancing measures will result in the employment of 2 full time staff per pub who will regularly clean surfaces and touch points throughout the pubs.
The company has undertaken extensive employee consultation and has also consulted with many of its suppliers and contractors, as well as referring to UK Hospitality guidelines. 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.
What can customers expect to see?
• Reduced food menu on offer with condiments in sachets
• Screens at every till points
• Screens to separate seating areas where social distancing isn’t possible
• Staff wearing gloves, masks and eyewear (if they wish)
• Dedicated staff monitoring social distancing with a doorman at peak times
• One entrance and one exit where possible with floor markings and barriers
• Hand sanitiser dispensers around the pub – 10 on average
• Encouragement to use the Weatherspoon Order & Pay app or using contactless payment (cash will be accepted)
• Staff will hand over all drinks holding the base of the glass
Sharon Longley, manager at S. Fowlers & Co., said:
“At present the government have not confirmed any reopening date for pubs.
Article continues below this advertisement “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.”
Me and Bert likes the fish friday. Wouldn’t do to go in the evening though too many drunks for us. Bert likes a pint but no more. Still the youngsters likes it, stay safe and enjoy it, but don’t break shop windows and do bad things on the way home.
And will they stop serving customers who are well on their way to being drunk? Boy do I feel sorry for the police when the pubs do reopen and they have to deal with the drunken idiots who are causing trouble
Opinions matter?? Haven’t you noticed the police are having to deal with drunken idiots already. THE PUBS ARE NOT OPEN.
No but some are most definitely having lock ins, although those that are are now realising that leaving the outside lights on is a bit stupid. Of course you report and the police turn up the next day, and i was told that the council would not accept photos or videos of said pubs, because they have to check them out for themselves. Typical council.
my god mark – you are such a nosey, killjoy busy body – why don’t you get a life instead of interfering in other peoples.
more to the point – how do you know they are drinking in the pub – unless you are spying on the premises.
looks like tyranny…..so this is going to be the new norm ?
It’s easy to forget how the owner of Weatherspoons treated his staff and suppliers at the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown. It may be worth remembering that when you’re handing over your money to line his pockets.
EXACTLY!!! People (especially drunks) often have very short memories.
Not nice for the poor sods on minimum wage to now have to try and police social distancing when the punters are all drunk out of their heads, as is the norm for Wetherspoons clientele.
Still, although furlough ends for those who have to go back to work those on benefits still retain their extra cash bung until Christmas so they will equivalently be having their drinks bought for them for free wont they???
Generic doubles all round……..
A lot of workers on Min wage are on benefits as well
Better to let the business shut down then and make us all redundant who work there!!!
No Larry I think you should be on furlough for longer. No one is going to social distance when drunk so the opportunity shouldn’t be there. I feel sorry for who ever has to police social distancing this situation. Hope there going to provide Ppe to staff aswell
There must be a lot of bars and clubs in city centres scratching their heads at the moment. Social distancing on the dancefloor could well be blood on the dancefloor! Alcohol and compliance are not bedfellows.
Back to abnormality, eating meat drinking alcohol smoking ……..
and you being a bell end
Don’t forget masturbating! – I don’t!