Wetherspoons to reopen 750 pubs on July 4 – what they will look like

PUB chain Wetherspoons is to reopen 750 pubs in England on July 4.

Safety measures will include a slightly reduced menu, sneeze screens and separate exits and entrances.

Earlier today Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that pubs can open from July 4 as long as they meet strict Covid-secure rules.

Pub chain boss Tim Martin confirmed plans for reopening today, starting with its 750 branches in England on July 4.

While those in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will remain closed until guidance changes.

The pub chain has already set out some plans for social distancing when it reopens but it is waiting for further government guidance.

Mr Johnson said that venues such as pubs, restaurants and cafes can only reopen if they offer table service and also keep a register of guests, so that customers can be traced if they someone who has visited falls unwell.

But the government hasn't released the full details that pubs and other venues will need to follow.

Tim Martin said: “We are extremely pleased that pubs are reopening on 4 July after a long hiatus.

“We are going to discuss the precise government proposals with our pub managers and staff before we comment further on the details.”

In May, The Sun had a sneak peek inside The Mossy Well in Muswell Hill, north London, where Eddie Gershon, press officer for the chain, explained how social distancing measures will work inside pubs.

Tables will be spaced out or screens put up between them in order to keep customers safe.

There will also be stickers on furniture to remind people not to move tables.

There will be separate exits and entrances. Welcome signs will give further guidance to customers, including asking them to only visit pubs if they feel well.

Perspex screens have been fitted at tills and customers will be encouraged to pay using the Wetherspoons app, meaning they can get table service

 Wetherspoons plans to keep its opening hours the same.

Hand sanitisers will be positioned on walls for staff and customers to use.

The chain also confirmed it would be offering a slightly reduced menu to help with social distancing measures.

Bottles of condiments, including ketchup and mayonaise, have been replaced with single-use sachets.

Staff will be given the option to wear PPE and face temperature checks before they begin shifts.