Webinar to help hospitality sector reopen safely

Restauranteurs, pub landlords and café owners can find out more about how to reopen safely with an online event on Tuesday, 30 March.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is holding a webinar for the hospitality sector at 10.30am to outline the legal requirements, as well as what to do if there is an outbreak.

Topics to be covered include the rules on face coverings, collecting customer contact details, the rule of six, social distancing and hygiene, as well as how to look after staff facilities, like a break room or toilets, and advice on vehicle sharing.

There will also be information about what to do if a member of staff tests positive for COVID-19 and a toolkit to help the employer through managing an outbreak, from employee testing and business contact tracing to self-isolation advice and information on financial support for people self-isolating.

Ian Ashworth, Director of Public Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “It really is good news that we’ve got COVID-19 infections down to the point where we can look at helping our hospitality sector to reopen safely.

“If you do own or manage hospitality premises in the borough it’s really important that you find out all you can so that you can look after your staff and customers and play your part in keeping that infection rate down.”

Maria Byrne, Director of Environment and Communities at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “We appreciate what a difficult time businesses have had since last year and want to help where we can.

“This webinar will cover everything you need to know in terms of the legal requirements and provide some really useful tools to help you navigate what you need to do to stay safe.”

The national roadmap sets a provisional date of 12 April for hospitality venues to be allowed to serve people outside, with no need for customers to buy a substantial meal with an alcoholic drink and no curfew.

The roadmap explains that customers must order, eat and drink while seated.

The webcast will be streamed live at 10.30am on Tuesday, 30 March, or will be available to watch again later. For more information visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/hospitalitywebinar

Anyone who would like to ask a question before or during the webinar can email: regulatoryservices@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

For more information about support available for businesses, including contact tracing resources and advice on restrictions, visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/coronavirus and click on how to get help to find the support for businesses and employers section.