WETHERSPOONS has set out plans to ensure the safety of staff and customers at its Stourbridge town centre pub The Chequers.

The popular Stourbridge High Street boozer, part of the JD Wetherspoon chain, will re-open when the government gives the official go-ahead which could be as soon as next month.

Ahead of any mass re-opening of pubs, the chain has outlined measures it will take to help keep pubgoers safe amid the continuing coronavirus crisis.

Bosses have said a 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 stick to its usual opening hours and 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 will have a member of staff working full time (two staff per pub to cover all opening hours) to sanitise all contact points during opening hours including door handles, allergen information screens, card payment machines and hand rails.

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

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

Staff will hand over 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), instead of condiment bottles.

All staff will receive a full briefing and training on the new way of running the pub.

Wetherspoons bosses say the company has undertaken extensive employee consultation and it has also consulted with many suppliers and contractors, as well as referring to UK Hospitality guidelines.

Staff will be provided with gloves, masks and protective eyewear - and employees can elect whether to wear them or not, subject to government guidelines.

There will be an average of ten 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 they are fit to work which will include having their temperature taken with a digital thermometer.

Simon Taylor, manager at The Chequers Inn, 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.”

Will you be venturing back to the pubs when they re-open?