WETHERSPOON has revealed how it plans to reopen The Queens Arms in Winsford and keep staff and customers safe.

The company will open its pub on Dean Drive when it has the official go-ahead from the government.

Plans are being put in place by the pub chain to adhere to social distancing measures.

Robert Kristensen, manager at The Queens Arms, 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.

“The safety of staff and customers is paramount.”

Two full time staff will be taken on to regularly clean surfaces and touch points throughout the pub.

Wetherspoon has carried out extensive employee consultation and consulted with many of its suppliers and contractors as well as referring to UK Hospitality guidelines.

The Queens Arms will have screens at the till point.

There will also be screens to create seating areas where it is not possible to separate the tables to the social distancing requirement.

Wetherspoon will provide gloves, masks and protective eyewear.

READ > Tanker carries giant message supporting St Luke's Hospice

Employees can decide whether to wear them or not, subject to government guidelines.

There will be an average of 10 hand sanitiser dispensers around the pub, including at the entrance for customers and staff to use.

Every employee will need to complete and sign a daily health assessment questionnaire to confirm that they are fit to work. This will include having their temperature taken using a digital thermometer.

Dedicated staff will monitor the pub at all times to maintain social distancing standards and there will be a member of staff on the door at peak times.

The pub will use one entrance with a separate exit door where possible.

Customer entry and exit will be marked out by floor stickers and/or barriers and there will be clear printed information providing guidance to customers as they enter the pub.

The pub will have a member of staff working full time (two staff per pub to cover all opening hours) to sanitise all the contact points during opening hours.

These will include door handles, allergen information screens, card payment machines and hand rails.

Customers will be asked to use the Wetherspoon order and pay app, wherever possible, or pay at the bar using a credit/debit card and contactless although cash will be accepted.

Staff will hand over all drinks holding the base of the glass and when ordered by the app they will be delivered to the table on a tray and placed on the table using the base of the glass.

Food will be delivered to the table by a member of floor staff.

The pub will also offer a slightly reduced menu and will provide sachets (ketchup, mayonnaise, salt, pepper etc) rather than their usual condiment bottles.

The Queens Arms will be operate its usual opening hours.