LATEST: July 4th pub reopening date confirmed, guidance published

June 23, 2020June 24, 2020 publicanspost

We will be keeping this page updated with all the latest guidance following the government’s announcement that pubs can finally reopen on 4th July. It’s our collective responsibility to do what we can to mitigate the risks, to try and prevent the spread of the virus. Let the countdown begin…

24/06/20

The government has now issued it’s guidance – Keeping workers and customers safe during COVID-19 in restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway
services.

The guidance is designed to help operators understand how to work safely and keep customers safe during the pandemic, ensuring as many people comply with the social distancing guidelines.

The advised social distance is still 2m, but 1m is now acceptable ‘with risk mitigation where 2m is not viable’ (such as in many pubs).

The practical framework is offered as best practice guidance to mitigate the spread of the virus, so it is not a compulsory checklist. An appropriate Covid-19 risk assessment should be undertaken in consultation with workers to help you decide which actions to take.

You must then share the results of the risk assessment with your workforce. Reasonably therefore different measures will be implemented at different sites, with operators expected to apply some common sense.

The document has been prepared by the Department for
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) with input
from firms, unions and industry bodies.

Risk mitigation could include steps such as:

Lowering capacity by calculating the maximum number of customers that can reasonably follow social distancing
Staggering entry times with other venues, taking steps to avoid queues
Reconfiguring indoor and outdoor seating and tables to maintain social distancing guidelines
Indoor table service must be used where possible (an app could help, read our review of the best). Bar service is not expressly prohibited – ‘Where bar or counter service is unavoidable, preventing customers from remaining at the bar or counter after ordering.’
Providing clear guidance on social distancing and hygiene to people on arrival
Encouraging customers to use hand sanitiser or hand washing facilities as they enter the venue
Keeping indoor and soft play areas closed
Managing how customers move through the venue

View and download the full document here

23/06/20

This afternoon Boris Johnson made his widely expected announcement, to confirm that pubs and restaurants will be allowed to reopen on July 4th. The announcement came as a great relief to many businesses, and was met with a cry of “hallelujah” from the benches.

As things stand we await the government’s guidance, which is to be published later today. So far we understand:

The social distancing measure is to be reduced from 2m to 1m with conditions attached
Mitigation will be a series of options you can choose from to suit your business
Pubs will be able to offer seated service only, details to follow
Pubs may be required to keep a log of visitors, details to follow
We are moving away from mandated social distancing towards guidance and common sense measures
If the virus flares up the government will review the situation, and stated that they would not rule out another national lockdown if required

We will update this page with the latest once we receive the government’s guidance. In the mean time, you can watch Boris Johnson’s full speech below.