Agenda item

Warwick Heskins of the West Berkshire Pub Company gave a presentation on preparations for reopening his businesses. Key points were:

·         Spare Wheel to reopen 14 April with outside seating for 40 people in the Market Place.

·         Catherine Wheel reopening yet to be confirmed, potentially up to 20 people in the courtyard.

·         The businesses would not have survived without furlough scheme / Government grants.

·         Over £5000 of stock went to waste.

·         Costs of reopening had to be weighed against likely reduced sales.

·         Staff costs were high due to the requirement for table service and having to meet and greet customers for track and trace.

·         Sales were down 30% for July to September on equivalent period last year, but wage costs had only fallen by 12%.

·         Both businesses were in a better position than others with no outside seating.

·         A broad range of measures had been put in place to prepare for reopening including cleaning / sanitisation, staff testing, Covid signs, track and trace posters, staff training, GPS card terminals, pay at table app, and risk assessments for reopening and the outdoor seating in the Market Place.

He expressed surprise about the differences in how different businesses had interpreted the guidance about outdoor spaces.

Councillor Graham Bridgman asked if the guidance was difficult to interpret.

Warwick Heskins agreed that the Government guidance was ‘thin’ and indicated that he had asked questions as necessary and had also attended Zoom sessions organised by the Licensing Team. However, he noted that some pubs in other locations appeared to have interpreted the guidance differently.

Councillor Jo Stewart indicated that she had seen people sitting in areas that she considered to be ‘indoors’. She asked how staff motivation was being maintained.

Warwick Heskins indicated that he was using WhatsApp chats to keep staff informed and involved. Employees were also being trained in preparation for reopening. In addition, some staff were volunteering at the vaccine centre.

Councillor Steve Masters asked if the pubs would be serving food.

Warwick Heskins confirmed that the Spare Wheel had a full menu and the Catherine Wheel had been operating via Deliveroo.

Councillor Masters asked if table numbers were affected by being in the Market Place.

Warwick Heskins indicated that it was just a convenience issue. He noted that there was a good atmosphere in the Market Place and suggested that it could be made permanent and the area pedestrianised.

Sean Murphy note that the concept of outdoor seating was well-defined in law and was related to smoking areas. He confirmed that the PPP would be providing advice to businesses and would carry out checks on all aspects of compliance with government guidance.

Councillor Bridgman asked about interaction between local authorities.

Sean Murphy confirmed that liaison was ongoing between local authorities around interpretation of guidance and that advice was also provided by the Office for Product Safety. As such, he suggested that there should be no disparity between local authorities and if officers became aware of issues in other areas, they would raise them with colleagues.