Wetherspoons reveals plan to reopen its 875 UK pubs

Wetherspoons has revealed plans to reopen its pubs, including a reduced menu and temperature checks for staffs. 

All pubs closed nine weeks ago now, on March 20th ahead of the lockdown on March 23rd due to coronavirus. 

In the government’s latest advise regarding lockdown easing, pubs, hairdressers, cinemas and restaurants won’t be able to open fully until July at the earliest. 

Many pubs and restaurants in the meantime have been offering takeaway and delivery services to keep going throughout lockdown.

Wetherspoons pubs like many others have been shut, but this week the chain has announced plans on how it will reopen when the lockdown is eased.

The chain has announced it will be investing £11 million into new measures to keep staff and customers safe.

Its pubs will have temperature checks for all staff before they are allowed back to work, and they will also be offering a massively reduced menu.

Wetherspoons will be employing two full-time staff per pub that will regularly clean surfaces and touchpoints such as door handles, allergen information screens, card payment machines and handrails. 

The chain is said to be opening all of its 875 pubs across the UK and Republic of Ireland as soon as its given the official go-ahead from the relevant governments. 

Wetherspoons’ 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.

“We have spent a number of weeks consulting with staff who work in our pubs, as well as area managers in order to draw up our plans.

“We have received more than 2,500 suggestions from our staff. The safety of our staff and customers is paramount.”