WETHERSPOON bosses have told pub staff how to hand customers their drinks in a bid to minimise cross-contamination.

The popular pub chain announced its safety plans for 875 pubs last week, as premises prepare for trading during the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, more details have surfaced - including a proposal to minimise cross-contamination between staff and customers.

The detailed guidance states: "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.”

Although pubs have not yet been permitted to reopen, many businesses are planning ahead and preparing protective measures as lockdown eases.

What are the other safety measures?

  • Pubs will have separate entrance and exit doors, when possible, depending on the venue.
  • Customer entry and exit will be marked out by floor stickers and barriers.
  • There will be an average of 10 hand sanitiser dispensers around each pub, including at the entrance, for customers and staff to use.
  • While customers are asked to use the Wetherspoons app, they can pay at the bar using credit/debit cards, contactless and cash.
  • Protective screens will also be set up to create seating areas where it is not possible to separate tables.
  • Screens will protect till points and staff will be given gloves, masks, and protective eyewear – which can be worn if employees wish 
  • There will be a limited food menu, and condiments will be provided through sachets instead of the usual bottles set aside.
  • Each pub will have a member of staff working full-time to sanitise all the contact points. These include door handles, allergen information screens, card payment machines and handrails.
  • Another employee will monitor the pubs at all times and to ensure social distancing standards are maintained. There may be more than two staff members at bigger pubs
  • Employees will have to complete and sign a daily health assessment questionnaire to confirm they are fit to work, including recording their temperature using a digital thermometer.