SOUTHEND and Basildon’s Wetherspoon pubs will re-open when they have the official go-ahead from the government.

The Last Post in Weston Road, Southend, The Elms in London Road, Leigh, Parson’s Barn in Frobisher Way, Shoebury, and The Moon on the Square, in Basildon’s Market Square, have drawn up plans to ensure that its staff and customers are safe before its pubs open its doors again.

Extensive employee consultation has been undertaken, with social distancing measures set to be in place and surfaced being regularly cleaned.

Steven Clayton, manager at The Last Post, said: “At present the government have not confirmed any reopening 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.”

All Wetherspoon pubs will have screens at the till point and screens will also be used where it is not possible to separate the tables to the social distancing requirement.

Wetherspoon will provide gloves, masks and protective eyewear, although employees can elect whether to wear them or not, subject to government guidelines.

Social distancing standards will be monitored by members of staff and an average of 10 hand sanitiser dispensers are due to be in each pub.

Customer entry and exit will be marked out by floor stickers or barriers and there will be clear printed information providing guidance to customers as they enter the pubs.

The pubs, which are due to operate with the usual opening hours, will offer a slightly reduced menu.

Customers will be asked to use the Wetherspoon order and pay app wherever possible.