Greene King unveils reopening plans and new £15m ‘Pub Safe’ initiative: Brewer and retailer Greene King has unveiled details of how its pubs will look and operate ahead of them reopening, including launching “Pub Safe” – a new set of five promises to its team and customers. Greene King is investing £15m in “Pub Safe” measures for a phased reopening that all its 1,700-strong estate of managed pubs will follow. It said the scheme centres around hygiene and safety, “while maintaining the atmosphere of the Great British pub”. The five promises are safe socialising layout throughout the pubs; looking after its team, so it can look after its customers; minimise contact; hand sanitising and hygiene; and a “Pub Safe Monitor”. A new safe socialising layout is being introduced in the pubs, with clear signage to direct customers. Tables will be spaced out further in-line with any government guidelines and customers will be encouraged to pre-book. The bar service area will have Perspex screens and screening will be positioned between booths where necessary. There will be new one-in-one-out red and green indicators at the entrances to the toilets so customers can flip the indicator with their elbow as they enter and exit, with toilets cleaned every 15 minutes. The company said its teams are undergoing comprehensive training and will be temperature checked ahead of every shift. Investment is also being made in additional team members to keep hygiene standards high. Greene King is also rolling out its order and pay app ahead of schedule to all managed pubs. Pubs will provide one-time-use menus that can be disposed of in a sustainable way, cutlery will be wrapped and condiments will be in sachets or in fresh ramekins. A pub host will be on hand at the entrance to welcome each customer, show them to their table and manage queues. Customers will be asked to use the hand sanitiser stations at the entrance on arrival and utilise the many stations placed in key positions during their visit. The fifth pledge by Greene King is every pub will have its own dedicated “Pub Safe Monitor” – a team member, easily identifiable by their uniform, with the responsibility of “ensuring additional cleaning of tables and public space is done swiftly and efficiently”. The monitor will also be the point of contact for any customer or team member who wishes to raise a concern. Chief executive Nick Mackenzie said: “The safety of our customers and team members is always our number one priority and against the backdrop of a slow recovery from covid-19, we are investing to put in place all the necessary arrangements. Of course, customers will notice some differences when they return but it’s important alongside implementing the changes, we maintain the very essence of the Great British pub.” Karen Bosher, managing director – Premium, Urban Pubs and Venture Brands at Greene King, talks more about the Pub Safe initiative, among other things, in the latest of Propel's video interviews with leading operators about “navigating the coronavirus”. The video will be released today (Friday, 12 June) at 9am.