Safety measures in place as hospitality trade opens

Owners and landlords of pubs and restaurants are looking to re-open on Saturday as part of the latest relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions.
Hands of three men toasting with beerHands of three men toasting with beer
Hands of three men toasting with beer

It is a move welcomed in the Wetherby area, where businesses have been busy putting in proceedures to protect customers and workers.

Catherine Spence, of Sant Angelo, Wetherby, welcomed the re-opening of pubs and restaurants as a positive step for the town.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s been a difficult few months for everyone, but the changes coming into force from July 4 should be a big step towards rebuilding our High Street and our beautiful town.”

She added of her own business: “We are excited to be re-opening our doors for takeaways (from Wednesday July 1) and for dining in from Saturday, July 4.

“Measures will be in place to keep our staff and customers safe.

“We are fortunate to have spacious premises - with a main dining room, conservatory, two bar areas, and a newly-refurbished cafe area - so we can keep tables apart, in line with current guidance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“After all the good weather we’ve had during lockdown, we’re also hoping that our customers will be able to enjoy food and drinks outside on our terrace for the rest of the summer.”

Alan Lamb, of the Fox and Hounds, said: “We’ve been working hard to support our communities during lockdown by providing a grocery service and hot meals.

“Re-opening will be a challenge as we have lost more than half of our capacity to achieve the required social distancing.

“Booking will be essential and we are opening for longer each day to try to encourage people to visit at different times of the day.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s a tough time for the pub sector as it is for many others but we’ll do our best to provide a fantastic experience while keeping people safe.”

David Holmes, of the Red Lion, Wetherby, said it is opening on Saturday morning.

“As a family, we have run the Red Lion for 14 years. We traded through the smoking ban and financial crisis, growing the trade each year. This will be the greatest challenge we have faced.”

He added: “In the last couple of weeks we have been getting the pub ready for re-opening - putting screens up on the bar and tables and we have removed the pool table to create more space inside where people can sit and drink.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Having completed a risk assessment and got the pub into what we believe to be a Covid secure state, we are re-opening on Saturday, July 4 at 10.30am.”

He said there will be regulations to meet, including everyone will need to sit at a table, event if for a drink and booking is advised.

“You will still be able to come to the bar to get served but then return to your seat.

“If all tables are taken inside you will not be able to remain inside and have to wait for someone to leave.

“Outside, the garden and patio will be open but we need to try and keep a maximum of four people to each on the benches in the garden, extra seating will be available in the car park.”

Related topics: