May 22, 2020 1.19 pm This story is over 46 months old

Wetherspoons plans to reopen in July with strict social distancing guidelines

Spoons will look a bit different upon its return
Photo: Guy Owen for The Lincolnite
By Local Democracy Reporter

Wetherspoons chief Tim Martin is planning to reopen all his pubs across the UK in July, outlining a long list of measures to observe social distancing.

The nationwide pub chain closed its doors on March 21 as a result of coronavirus lockdown, but is now planning ahead for a return.

The idea is for all 895 pubs to re-open, including the 19 in Greater Lincolnshire.

Post-lockdown plans are set to be put in place for the chain in July as pubs await the seal of approval from the government.

Many things will change once Wetherspoons re-opens, including an introduction of sneeze shields at the tills and a one-way system for toilets.

Floor stickers or barriers will be used to implement a safe walking space, with pubs using one entrance and a separate exit wherever possible.

Photo: The Lincolnite

There will also be door security to monitor the number of people at the establishment in order to prevent overcrowding.

At least ten hand sanitiser stations will be placed in each pub, with customers being asked to use them on arrival as well as each time they walk past one.

Personal protective equipment, including gloves, masks and eyewear will be provided for staff, but won’t be made mandatory unless the government enforces it.

Punters will have to order food and drinks via the app rather than at the counter, with drinks being delivered on a tray before being placed on the table using the base of the glass to hold them.

They’re also considering screens to create safe seating areas wherever it may not be possible to separate tables at 2m.

JD Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said: “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 our staff and customers is paramount.”