WETHERSPOONS pubs in Warrington will be ready to open safely as soon as they have the official go-ahead.

The company, which has two pubs in Warrington, The Friar Penketh in Friars Gate and The Looking Glass in Buttermarket Street, already has re-opening plans in place, including social distancing, hand sanitiser dispensers, monitoring of staff health and a reduced menu.

Jimmy Quinn, manager at The Friar Penketh, said: "At present, the government have not confirmed any re-opening 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."

Social distancing measures mean there will be two members of staff working full-time per pub, who will regularly clean surfaces and touch points throughout the premises.

There will be screens at the tills, as well as to create seating areas where it is not possible to separate tables.

Staff will be provided with PPE which they can elect to wear, subject to guidelines.

Every employee will also need to complete and sign a daily health assessment questionnaire to confirm that they are fit to work, include having their temperature taken.

The pubs will use one entrance with a separate exit door where possible, which will be marked out by floor stickers and/or barriers.

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 as an extra safety measures, as well as providing sachets of condiments rather than the usual bottles.