‘Respect rules’ as restrictions ease
NEWBURY Business Improvement District (BID) has asked the public to exercise restraint following the relaxation of pandemic restrictions.
Despite the phasing out of many formal restrictions, especially with regard to shopping and trading, the BID – an organisation dedicated to promoting business in the town centre – warns that coronavirus cases remain high, with many residents being forced to isolate amid the ‘pingdemic’.
As a result, many local businesses are putting in place measures specific to their own premises and the BID is working with them to build a picture of the situation on the ground.
Newly-opened High Score Arcades is just one business implementing its own restrictions on-site.
A statement from the company said: “We’re continuing to operate as we have done for the past few months: hand sanitiser on arrival, temperature checks, face masks and thorough cleaning down of stations between sessions.”
Newbury BID chief executive Melissa Hughes said: “As pleased as we are to see all of Newbury’s town centre businesses finally showing signs of life again, we know that Covid still poses a risk to our local community.
“It’s important business owners use their best judgment and take sensible precautions to help stop the spread.
“For this reason, the local business community is asking everyone to be responsible
and respect the rules they’re choosing to continue with.
“They have worked tirelessly since reopening to protect their staff and customers with sensible safety measures.
“It would be devastating if they were forced to close their doors again, even for short periods, whilst staff have to self-isolate.
“We’ve already seen a number of town centre businesses shut recently due to staff shortages.
“Be mindful that different venues will have different requirements in place, so check their social media or on-site signage for details and please do your bit to protect their staff and other customers.”
BID board member and director Jason Palmer, who runs Jason Palmer Hairdressing, said: “I’m delighted that we’re continuing to move toward to a more ‘normal’ salon environment.
“However, we need to approach this next phase carefully.
“As a team, we’ve decided to continue wearing masks and are asking our customers to do the same.
“Hand sanitising will also be mandatory, but we’re removing the rule that limits the number of seats in the reception.
“Similarly, many pubs and hospitality venues will be extending existing policies.”
Another BID board member, Cow and Cask owner Ian Batho, said: “We’re still operating as table service only.
“Staff are required to wear face masks while serving drinks to guests at their tables, and we’re asking customers to remain seated where possible throughout the duration of their stay.
“With schools breaking up for summer, it’s no surprise many venues targetting younger and older markets are treading carefully, too.”