Pubs’ red tape fury
Fears drinkers will be put off by data rules... and curbs on music, TV and standing at bar
PUBS are to open with a hush rather than a bang with no raised voices, no loud music and a cap on numbers.
They are among a range of safeguards that also include a requirement that pubs, restaurants, cafes and even takeaways to collect the names and contact details of customers.
Pubs are concerned this will difficult, costly and bureaucratic – and that the measures as a whole will deter customers.
Hotels also faced a complex set of requirements, including urging guests to wear face masks on communal corridors and shutting off the lifts.
The Information Commissioner has warned pubs and bars they must abide by data protection privacy rules around keeping details of customers secure.
This comes amid evidence from New Zealand of the misuse of this information. A woman using a Subway outlet who left her details on a contact form was subsetrols quently pestered by a member of staff who tried to contact her via text, Facebook, Instagram and Messenger.
Bosses at UKHospitality and the British Beer & Pubs Association say the need to collect customer information is a major problem. In theory, staff will be required to demand contact details and keep them securely for 21 days. This is so they can be handed over the NHS, track, trace and isolate regime.
However, the chief executive of UKHospitality, Kate Nicholls said: ‘This is going to be incredibly challenging.
‘With 11 days to go it is just not practical to develop a new system in one fell swoop.’
There will also be problems around restrictions on the number of people allowed in, enforcing social distancing, handling glasses, and running pubs with table service.
The rules for socialising include asking customers not to shout, which could spread infection, while any music, or football on TV, will be turned down.
The guidance states: ‘All venues should ensure that steps are taken to avoid people needing to unduly raise their voices.’
There will be no standing at the bar. There will also be conon how many drinkers gather in a pub or beer garden.
The guidance adds: ‘Where necessary, inform customers that police and the local authorities have the powers to enforce requirements in relation to social distancing.’
Chief executive of the BBPA, Emma McClarkin said: ‘We do have significant concerns over the collection and storage of personal customer data.’
The Information Commissioner’s Office warned firms they must abide by data protection rules, ‘only collecting personal data that is necessary, making sure that it is not retained for longer than needed and keeping it secure.’
The Government advice asks hotels in England to urge guests to wear face masks on communal corridors. They should consider closing off the lifts, while room service orders should be left outside doors.
Families staying in hostels and B&Bs with shared bathrooms may also be told to book slots to use the shower, so they can be cleaned between use.
The guidance, provided by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, also says all visitors should be offered hand sanitiser on entry.
Hotel owners are urged to create a checklist of commonlytouched areas in bedrooms which staff must clean after each guest checks out. They are also encouraged to stagger check-in and check-out times.
As with pubs, no loud music should be played. Large groups, live performances and communal dancing are banned.
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