PLANS have been drawn up for the re-opening of JD Wetherspoon pubs across the UK, including one in Oswestry.

The Wilfred Owen, in Willow Street, is expected to open once permission is granted by the government.

With no official re-opening dates for any pubs yet, the company has been working hard to ensure the safety of staff and customers upon its return.

Manager of The Wilfred Owen, Stephen Perry, has spent recent weeks helping to put plans together.

He 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.”

Many changes will be put in place, with protective screens in place at the bar of the Oswestry-based pub, and gloves, masks and protective eyewear will be made available for staff, who can choose whether or not to wear them, subject to government guidelines.

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

There will be, on average, 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 that they are fit to work. This will include having their temperature taken using a digital thermometer.

Dedicated staff will monitor the pub at all times in order to maintain social distancing standards and there will be a member of staff on the door at peak times.

The pub will use one entrance with a separate exit door where possible, and customer entry and exit will be marked out by floor stickers and barriers.

There will be clear printed information providing guidance to customers as they enter the pub.

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

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.

Food will be delivered to the table by a member of floor staff and the pub will also offer a slightly reduced menu and will provide sachets (ketchup, mayonnaise, salt pepper etc), rather than their usual condiment bottles.

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

The Oswestry pub is expected to be open its usual opening hours.