Measures brought in to keep pubs safe post-lockdown include special members of staff whose job it is to clean ‘touch points’ throughout the pubs, as well as screens on tables and at tills, hand sanitiser points and tables and seating separated according to the social distances advised. The chain, which drew criticism over its treatment of staff at the start of lockdown, boasted that it had spent £11m on making its pubs safe during the pandemic. Here’s what some of the social distancing measures in place could look like.
1. App and contactless payment
Wetherspoon's will be encouraging customers to order using the app and contactless payment rather than visiting the bar. (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: TOLGA AKMEN
2. Screens at tills
There will be screens in place at tills to keep those who do pay in person safe. (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: TOLGA AKMEN
3. Hand sanitiser stations
Hand sanitiser points will be in place throughout the pubs.There will be at least ten in each pub, for staff and customer use. (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: TOLGA AKMEN
4. Screens at tables
Screens will be put in place to keep people safe while they sit together. Under the new rules, people from different households can be as close as 1m apart if there is a 'mitigating factor' such as a screen between them. (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: TOLGA AKMEN