Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin has warned that many pubs may not survive the coronavirus crisis, despite the government's business rates relief. The warning comes as the chain prepares to reopen 750 of its outlets on July 4, with new safety measures including sneeze screens and social distancing.
Staff at the Mossy Well pub in Muswell Hill, North London, were seen installing perspex screens around tills, hand sanitising stations, and partitions between seating areas. Disposable menus will be provided, and customers will use one entrance with a separate exit where possible.
Employees will have their temperatures taken on arrival and will be given gloves, masks, and protective eyewear, though wearing them is not mandatory unless required by the government. Drinks will be handed over holding the base of the glass, and orders placed via the app will be delivered to tables on trays.
Each pub will have at least ten hand sanitiser stations, and one staff member will be dedicated to sanitising surfaces. The food menu will be reduced, and items should be ordered via the JD Wetherspoon app if possible. Tills will accept cash, and condiments will be served in sachets.
Mr Martin welcomed the reopening but noted that pubs in the rest of the UK remain closed. He said: 'We are extremely pleased that pubs are reopening on July 4 after a long hiatus.' However, some customers have threatened to boycott the chain over Mr Martin's treatment of staff during lockdown.
