The Crossed Peels, a Wetherspoon pub in Stirling city centre, is to make a number of changes, following a series of concerns raised by members of the public with Stirling MP Alyn Smith.
Fears that social distancing was not being enforced, and concerns from staff members that there were not enough people on shift to meet demand safely, had been flagged with Mr Smith in recent days.
After raising these concerns with the company, Wetherspoon Chief Executive, John Huston, replied:
Dear Mr Smith
Thank you for your letter.
We take our responsibilities very seriously and, prior to reopening, developed thorough operating plans, which followed a great deal of consultation with staff, environmental health advisors and UK Hospitality (Scotland).
The pub has been popular since reopening and, in light of this, the management team, along with the area manager and general manager, responsible for all our pubs in Scotland, have reviewed the risk assessment in place and have made amendments.
In particular, each evening;
– staff numbers have been increased.
– entry/ exit has been limited to one entrance. Door staff will be on duty each evening.
– the beer garden has been closed, except to allow a maximum of 6 people at a time to smoke.
– maximum group size around any one table limited to 4 people.
We appreciate that there have been some operational issues before now, but feel these amendments will ensure the premises are complying with Covid guidelines.
Yours Sincerely,
John Hutson
Stirling MP Alyn Smith commented:
“I was seriously concerned after receiving multiple reports of social distancing not being exercised and enforced in The Crossed Peels, a Wetherspoon pub in Stirling city centre. Customers, staff members, and even passers-by had flagged the alarming number of people crowded in close proximity with each other.
“Last week, the First Minister announced that Aberdeen city has gone into lockdown again, following a cluster of Covid-19 infections emerging in the area, many of which are linked to pubs in the area. This cannot be allowed to happen here.
“The Crossed Peels is a significant destination for people socialising in town, and the safety of customers, staff, and the wider public must be the primary consideration for the pub chain. I am pleased with the response that I received from Chief Executive John Huston, and that since raising this I have not received any further complaints from constituents on this matter.
“Across the Stirling area, hospitality businesses have worked hard to put additional measures in place that not only keep people safe, but also give people peace of mind that they are not entering a place that could potentially put them in danger. I’ve been encouraging people to go out and support these places – as they need support from customers now more than ever – and providing that advice and guidance is being adhered to, it is safe to do so.”
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