Greene King has shared a glimpse at what its pubs will look like when they reopen, with measures including plastic screens surrounding the bar and partitions to separate customers at tables.
Greene King, which operates pubs and breweries across the UK, has launched a new £15 million 'Pub Safe' campaign to help its staff and customers enjoy their experience responsibly, as social distancing measures continue.
All of the company's 1,700 pubs will be following a new set of promises designed to 'look after team members' and 'ensure customers can socialise safety'.
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The 'promises' are:
Safe socialising layout throughout our pubs
Looking after our team, so they can look after our customers
Minimise contact
Hand sanitising and hygiene
Pub Safe Monitor
The scheme has a focus on hygiene and safety, but promises to maintain that all-important pub atmosphere.
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Detailing the practical measures it will implement across its sites, Greene King said there will be a new layout with clear signage to direct customers through the pub.
Tables will be spaced-out to adhere to government guidelines and patrons will be encouraged to pre-book a table rather than stand at the bar.
Greene King is also urging people to use its Order and Pay app, so that they can place food and drink orders from their table and pay digitally.
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Perspex screens are being fitted at the bar area and in between booths, while a one-in-one-out system with red and green indicators will be used for toilets - which are being cleaned every 15 minutes - so that people can 'flip the indicator with their elbow as they enter and exit'.
Along with single-use menus, pubs will provide wrapped cutlery and condiments in sachets or fresh ramekins.
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Hand sanitiser stations can be found within each building, including at the entrance, with customers being asked to utilise them during their visit.
A spokesperson from the company said: "As part of its commitment to keep team members safe Greene King has invested £15 million in Pub Safe related measures for a phased reopening, including protective measures for teams and customers.
"Teams are undergoing comprehensive training ahead of reopening and will be temperature checked ahead of every shift. Investment is also being made in additional team members to keep hygiene standards high."
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Greene King said there will be a pub host on hand at entrances to welcome each customer and manage queues, and that every site will have a dedicated Pub Safe Monitor, who will ensure that 'additional cleaning of tables and public space is done swiftly and efficiently' and be able to respond to any customer concerns.
Nick Mackenzie, Greene King Chief Executive Officer, said: "We can't wait to welcome our customers back to our pubs and we know people are eager to return to their local. The safety of our customers and team members is always our number one priority and against the backdrop of a slow recovery from COVID-19, we are investing to put in place all the necessary arrangements.
"Of course, customers will notice some differences when they return but it's important that alongside implementing the changes, we maintain the very essence of the great British pub."
"Many pubs across the country, including a number of our own, will not be financially viable or able to open for operational reasons with the current restrictions in place and we hope that, for the future of our industry, these measures will be short-lived.
"We are working towards a phased re-opening and are planning to open as many as we can. However, the future of our industry is reliant on continued support from government and reducing social distancing from two metres to one would make it possible for many more pubs across the country to be viable."
The UK Government is reportedly looking at plans that could see pubs in England reopen outdoor areas as early as 22 June.
The hospitality industry had previously been told pubs would not be able to reopen before 4 July, but that it could even be later.
Featured Image Credit: Greene King