UK Pub, Bar, Restaurants contemplate reopening 4th July 2020
Sunday 10th May 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the Nation with his next phase for the UK Covid-19 crisis. The following day, a more detailed 50-page plan was presented, outlining an aspiration to allow some venues to open from 4th July 2020
The Pub and Bar Industry, along with the whole of the Hospitality Sector is anxiously waiting to get back to doing what it does best, serving customers and providing a beneficial social experience, however, quite honestly, we must accept that “business as usual” won’t happen for some considerable time.
Kegcheck is a product that is used worldwide, therefore, we are well placed to share with you how the different markets are tackling the issue which is on all our minds… “how will we make our pub, bar and/or restaurant safe, while providing customers with that great hospitality experience”.
The businesses that adapt to the changing conditions will be the ones that succeed! The mid to large managed chains will have the added bonus of already engaging with leading experts to structure and implement a plan.
Most UK establishments will employ more than five persons, therefore, it is incumbent upon each to put in place a structured plan to mitigate the risks to staff by providing a safe place to work, while also giving its customers a safe environment, in addition to a pleasurable experience. (for more information from the HSE Executive CLICK HERE)
Here at Kegcheck, we have consulted our customers from New Zealand to the USA regarding their intentions to mitigate the risks to their customers and staff of contracting Covid-19. A clear pattern has emerged that many have already implemented or are about to implement steps, or they are in the process of developing a plan. From our research, we have collated a 14-step plan to re-open businesses.
- Table Service Only: New Zealand are adopting the three S’s which are: seated, separated and single server
- Seated: People must be seated. Venue occupancy is limited and will be restricted to the number of persons you can safely seat, up to a maximum of 100 persons.
- Separated: People must be separated – social distancing measures in the venue between people and between tables must be adhered to.
- Single Server: Each table must have a single server. At every venue there must be ‘table service’ to minimise contact and help in tracing.
- Staff Wearing Face Masks & Gloves
- Tracing: Distancing and serving measures also aid tracing in the event a member of staff or customer is found to have been contagious with Covid-19
- Cashless Payments: Cashless mitigates against the possible transfer of infection through handling and physically transferring cash.
- Ordering Via an App: App ordering reduces the physical contact between server and customer
- Limited Capacity: Thus ensuring the distancing rules are adhered to.
- Table Bookings
- Enables contact tracing
- Ensures limited people numbers
- Staged Table Occupancy Times: Particularly within the food sector, limiting the amount of time customers can spend in a venue is fundamental to increasing turnover and getting as many people as possible through the doors. Similarly, the process of time-limiting could assist in maximising footfall and, therefore, turnover.
As customers have accepted changes to the way we shop, working with good communication most customers will be sympathetic to how they visit venues and they will accept and adapt. While most customers will be understanding, communication is essential. - Physical Table Screens
- Thorough Surface Cleaning at frequent intervals
- Comprehensive Cleaning between closing time and the opening time of the venue.
- Sanitiser Stations on every table
- Table Furniture Layout ensuring social distancing between furniture
- Social Distancing Notices and staff management of the system
As other countries begin to reopen their pubs, bars and restaurants, here at Kegcheck we will endeavour to keep you updated on their best practices.