The PPE packages, which will cost the operator around £280,000 to distribute throughout its estate of more than 4,000 pubs, will contain disposable masks, disposable gloves, hand sanitiser and rolls of black and yellow self-adhesive floor tape.
As reported by The Morning Advertiser (MA), pubs and bars are expected to resume trade on 4 July with social distancing measures in place after more than 15 weeks in lockdown.
Though the Government’s Covid-19 Secure Workplace Guidance for Pubs and Restaurants is yet to be published, its lockdown exit strategy on 11 May states that where it’s not possible to avoid groups or crowds face-coverings should be worn and that that hands should be washed often using soap and water or sanitiser where available.
“The safety and wellbeing of our publicans is most paramount,” Nick Light, managing director of Ei Publican Partnerships, said.
“This additional £280,000 investment in PPE is just one of the many ways we are making sure our pubs can reopen from lockdown in a safe and sustainable manner whilst providing an enjoyable experience for customers.”
News of Ei’s support package comes less than a week after brewer and pub operator Greene King revealed plans to spend in the region of £250,000 to send out PPE kits to its 1,000 pub partners from 29 June.
What’s more, the operator of 11 concept bars and restaurants in London, Inception Group, has also revealed that it plans to use playful PPE – such as beekeeping outfits, repurposed gas masks and mannequins – to take the sting out of Covid-19 social distancing measures when its venues reopen.
Latest support measure
Ei Group’s latest announcement follows the provision of three-month rent credits covering the period April until the end of June for tied publicans who are operating on substantive agreements, but are not eligible for Government grants.
What’s more to further support publicans who have received Government grants of between £10,000 and £25,000, the operator - which was acquired by Stonegate Pub Company in March 2020 for £1.27bn - has also provided trade credits of either 75% or 50% of the value of three months’ rent.