Date:
Be sensible, be mindful and stay safe as pubs, bars and restaurants set to reopen
With pubs, bars and restaurants set to reopen from tomorrow (Saturday 4 July 2020), Woking Borough Council is reminding drinkers and diners to be sensible, be mindful and stay safe this weekend.
Under The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 many licensed premises have been closed since late March.
With the relaxing of the regulations, pubs, bars and restaurants can now reopen with a number of significant restrictions in place. Measures include limiting the number of customers and fewer tables to allow for social distancing, one-way systems and staff wearing masks and gloves.
Queuing at the bar is likely to be a thing of the past with orders placed using a downloadable app and advanced reservations necessary in many establishments.
Bars and restaurants will also have to keep a record of everyone who visits. Personal information will be collected and kept on file for four weeks in case it is necessary to contact people.
Weekend visitors to Woking Town Centre will also see an increased police presence. Supported by town centre marshals, officers will be ensuring the town is a safe place to visit.
Cllr Kevin Davis, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Promoting the Local Economy, said: “I welcome the move to reopen licensed premises. Pubs, bars and restaurants play an important role in our communities and help support our local economy.
“Council officers have been working hard to support licensed premises that are preparing to reopen, offering guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for drinkers, diners and staff members. I would like to commend licensed venues for their commitment to the current restrictions and implementing measures to enable their safe reopening.
“However, it is important that customers understand the necessary restrictions in place. A very different experience awaits visitors and we recommend people plan ahead by checking a venue’s website for information, such as opening hours and booking requirements.
“We want people to enjoy themselves in a sensible, mindful and safe way. We urge people to avoid anti-social behaviour and help keep our public spaces litter-free. It remains vitally important that everyone follow the measures in place to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.”
In addition to pubs, bars and restaurants, hairdressers, holiday accommodation, museums and galleries, cinemas, places of worship and children’s play areas are able to reopen from Saturday 4 July 2020.
For more information, please visit wearewoking.com/whats-open