Beer we go...pub chain in £11m virus-free refit
PUB chain Wetherspoon has unveiled £11million plans to make their 875 bars virus-secure once restrictions are eased.
Measures include ordering and paying for food and drinks via the company’s app.
Two full-time members of staff will clean surfaces and touch points throughout – with more employed in larger pubs.
Bosses added that all workers will be provided with gloves, masks and protective eyewear while protective shields are installed at tills. Sauce bottles will be replaced with sachets.
The company added: “Dedicated staff will monitor the pub at all times in order to maintain social distancing and there will be a member of staff on the door at peak times.
“There will be an average 10 hand sanitiser dispensers around the pub, including at the entrance, for customers and staff.” Workers will need to complete and sign a daily health assessment questionnaire to confirm that they are fit to work and have a digital thermometer temperature check.
Bosses have consulted staff, suppliers, contractors and trade body UK Hospitality for guidance, including 2,500 suggestions from workers.
Founder and chairman
Tim Martin faced heavy criticism as lockdown was being introduced.
He first said he would withhold salaries from staff, before reversing the decision. He called for a relaxed lockdown similar to the Netherlands so his pubs could keep trading and warned suppliers may not be paid. Wetherspoon’s has since revealed the business rates holiday announced by the Government saved the firm £60million and shareholders were tapped up for £141million as the lockdown took hold. Mr Martin’s wealth has also fallen by around £230million as shares in Wetherspoon’s, of which he owns 32 per cent, have fallen by more than 40 per cent since the start of the year.
A date for reopening remains unclear, although Government guidance for pubs is to plan for welcoming back customers in July.
It is understood there are discussions with ministers about beer gardens being opened sooner.
Chief executive John Hutson said: “At present the Government have not confirmed any reopening date for pubs. However, it is important that we are prepared for any announcement.”
The chain is also looking at ways to raise more funds by applying for the Bank of England’s loan scheme for large companies. EasyJet and Greggs have both applied.
But Wetherspoon’s said previously that its business not being “investment grade” on some measures, may make it difficult.
The firm’s 43,000 workers received around 80 per cent of their salaries in March, despite the boss previously warning workers they would not be paid until Government funds had reached Wetherspoon accounts.
Previous cost-cutting measures also include new pub openings on hold until 2022, with around five a year from then.
Rent has been deferred and directors have taken pay cuts.