Pubs will look quite different from what we’re used to.
As non-essential shops across the country begin to prepare for their re-openings on June 15, other businesses such as pubs and gyms are beginning to implement changes across their sites – in preparation for the government allowing them to welcome back customers. Now, pub chain Greene King is giving Brits a glimpse of what they can expect when that time does come, releasing a series of images that showcase the changes.
First up, images showcase stickers placed along the floor, ensuring social distancing between customers on their way into the premises. Queueing may be essential when entering pubs or waiting at service points, and customers can expect a ‘one-in-one-out’ toilet system with elbow switches to indicate whether they’re occupied or not. For increased hygiene, toilets will be cleaned every 15 minutes.
Perspex screens will be fitted at all service points, creating a barrier between staff and customers, and staff will be required to wear PPE at all times for both customer and staff protection. While the service points will remain, all customers will be urged to use the pub chain’s new ‘Order and Pay’ app, which will allow them to place their orders via the app for table service. Customers are also advised to pre-book their table before their visit to avoid queues.
Tables throughout venues will be spaced out, meaning pubs will hold a lower capacity than we’re used to. Menus will now be single-use only, and cutlery will be provided wrapped to help with hygiene. Customers will also notice new sanitisation points dotted around venues, which they are urged to use regularly to minimise the chances of infection.
Nick Mackenzie, Greene King Chief Executive Officer, has said: “We can’t wait to welcome our customers back to our pubs and we know people are eager to return to their local. The safety of our customers and team members is always our number one priority and against the backdrop of a slow recovery from COVID-19, we are investing to put in place all the necessary arrangements.
“Of course, customers will notice some differences when they return but it’s important that alongside implementing the changes, we maintain the very essence of the great British pub. Many pubs across the country, including a number of our own, will not be financially viable or able to open for operational reasons with the current restrictions in place and we hope that, for the future of our industry, these measures will be short-lived.
“We are working towards a phased re-opening and are planning to open as many as we can. However, the future of our industry is reliant on continued support from government and reducing social distancing from two metres to one would make it possible for many more pubs across the country to be viable.”