This is how Wetherspoons plans to re-open its Fife pubs

Social distancing, perspex screens between seats, orders via app, and contactless payment
The Golden Acorn  pub in GlenrothesThe Golden Acorn  pub in Glenrothes
The Golden Acorn pub in Glenrothes

Bosses of the pub chain are drawing up plans ahead of getting the green light to re-open their doors.

Wetherspoons runs the Robert Nairn in Kirk Wynd, Kirkcaldy; the Golden Acorn Hotel in Glenrothes, and the Guildhall & Linen Exchange in Dunfermline.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They could be among hundreds of bars re-opened by the company once lockdown restrictions have been eased.

They will operate with a reduced food menu, and some indoor seating could be separated by perspex screens.

Customers will also be encouraged to sit in the beer gardens if they are available. They will also be asked to order drinks via the company's app, and pay via contactless at the bar.

Staff will also be provided with facemasks and protective eyewear, and will also have their temperatures taken on-site and be asked to sign a daily health assessment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wetherspoons says each pub will have around ten hand sanitiser stations, including one at the entrance, which customers should use. To make that happen, the company is planning to hire two full-time workers per pub whose job will include cleaning door handles and hand rails, as well as ensuring drinkers follow social distancing measures.

There are no plans to reduce opening hours.

The Scottish Government has yet to set a date when pubs can re-open. In England, the Government has said that may be July 4.

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you - wherever possible and providing it is safe for you to do so - to also please purchase a copy of our newspapers; the Fife Free Press, Fife Herald, St Andrews Citizen, East Fife Mail and Glenrothes Gazette.

Inevitably falling advertising revenues will start to have an impact on local newspapers and the way we continue to work during this period of uncertainty.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The support of our readers has never been more important as we try to make sure that we keep you connected with your community during this time. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Our team of trusted reporters are working incredibly hard behind the scenes - from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms - to look at how we can do this, and your continued support of our newspapers across Fife will help to protect their viability in the days and weeks ahead.

For more details on our subscription offers please visit email [email protected] or call us on 0330 4033004

Thank you

Allan Crow, Editor, Fife Free Press