There will be no ‘one size fits all’ approach, says trade group
TRADE group UK Hospitality is set to publish a number of ‘protocol’ documents to help operators prepare to reopen their businesses safely after the current shutdown.
As reported in SLTN the group has developed a number of sector-specific guidelines for businesses including pubs and restaurants to help them prepare their own plans ahead of reopening. The group said it hopes the protocols will also help to inform government plans for reopening the hospitality industry.
UK Hospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said when businesses are allowed to reopen there will be “no one size fits all approach”.
“Across our industry there are many sub-sectors and widely different businesses models,” said Nicholls.
“The practical challenges in reopening faced by a pub or a bar will be different from those faced by a holiday park, for instance. Even within the same sector, there is bound to be a huge difference in the size, shape, location and layout of outwardly similar businesses.
“We have been working hard with our members and alongside other industry bodies to provide practical and effective protocols which will enable businesses to begin to reopen safely when the time is right.
“The protocols do not provide bespoke plans for individual businesses to operate under social distancing guidelines; these will have to be devised by businesses on a site-by-site basis. But the protocols help businesses draw up those plans and ensure that safety is at the forefront of operations when the time comes to reopen.”
