With two days until re-opening time, the pub and bar industry is focused on making sure venues are safe for staff and visitors, and that all act responsibly.
Tips from the Campaign for Real Ale
The main sentiment is carried in a joint statement by the British Beer & Pub Association, UKHospitality, the London Night Czar, and Nationa Police Chiefs’ Council, which reads:
“We are conscious the last few months in lockdown have involved a huge amount of sacrifice from everyone, so it is fantastic that our pubs can finally re-open after all this time.
“We know that people are keen to begin to get life back to normal and understand the important role the pub can play in that. We are looking forward to welcoming people back into pubs in villages, towns, and cities across the country this weekend, but we also want to impress upon people the importance of behaving responsibly.
“We ask pub-goers to be supportive of landlords and pub staff, helping them to re-open in the best way possible. It’s important everyone respects the new measures in place to ensure everyone can enjoy the return of our pubs safely. If we all work together we can ensure that the re-opening of pubs and hospitality is a success and an enjoyable experience for everyone.”
The Campaign for Real Ale offers a list of advice for pub-goers in England (those in Wales and Scotland have to wait a little longer).
Who you can go to the pub with
- If you are sitting inside, members of your household and one other household (or support bubble)
- If you are sitting outside, members of your household and one other household (or support bubble), or you and up to five other people from different households
What you should expect
- In most circumstances, to order and be served at your table
- To see signs telling you where to go and how to use the pub safely
- To give some details, like your name and a phone number, to help with contact tracing
- For the moment, no live entertainment or loud music
- If the weather takes a turn for the worse, you might not be allowed to shelter inside
You can help by:
- Listening to the staff and following instructions on signs
- Waiting patiently in queues
- Washing your hands or using hand sanitising stations — especially when you arrive and leave, or use the toilets
- Ordering remotely where you can, whether through an app or website
- Staying in your allocated seating area as much as possible
- Using contactless payment where possible
A few dos and don’ts
- Do go back to the pub where you can — pubs need our custom to help them through this difficult time
- Do plan ahead and book in advance where possible
- Don’t take your empties back to the bar — for the moment, this isn’t helpful for staff
- Don’t come to the pub if you, or someone in your household or support bubble, has symptoms of Covid-19 — stay at home and follow NHS advice
