Preparing the Hospitality Sector for Reopening

Are you considering how you might be able to re-open from July 4?

With some measure of social distancing in place, and taking account of all requirements for you to ensure your business is Covid-secure, you’ll need to think about how many customers you can safely accommodate indoors and out.

Are you thinking of making more use of gardens or extending any outdoor seating?

Click here to read more about Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement on 23rd June of pubs, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality businesses being able to reopen.

Official guidance is expected from June 29. Whist waiting for that, it’s worth getting ahead and considering a few necessities:

– Check any licencing documents / deeds to be sure of the extent of your land and any covenants.

– Check with your district council’s licensing department to make sure you can do what you propose,especially if you are considering changes such as using outdoor space or car parks

– Check with your district council’s planning department if there are any restrictions on using temporary structures such as gazebos or marquees.

– Check with your district council’s environmental protection team about any noise or nuisance implications of what you propose and how you’d mitigate this.

– Check that your insurance will cover you for what you propose.

– Could the police raise any concerns, for example using glassware outdoors?

– Have you carried out a risk assessment to ensure your plans fulfil all social distancing and Covid- secure requirements, and how would you tell customers what to do.