Wetherspoons secures loan from the Coronavirus Business Interruption scheme

Boris Johnson and chief exec Tim Martin pulling pints last year

24 June 2020

JD Wetherspoons today confirmed it had secured a loan under the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS).

Wetherspoons has taken up the £48.3 million funding through the scheme as the group looks to open up 750 pubs on July 4.

Ahead of that date the company said it has created a 'Wetherspoon COVID-19 Secure Operating Plan', which sets out a safety plan for reopening.

Yesterday Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that venues such as pubs, restaurants and cafes can only reopen if they offer table service and also keep a register of guests, so that customers can be traced if they someone who has visited falls unwell.

But the government hasn't released the full details that pubs and other venues will need to follow.

It is understood that as part of the plans tables will be spaced out or screens put up between them in order to keep customers safe.

There will also be stickers on furniture to remind people not to move tables.

There will be separate exits and entrances. Welcome signs will give further guidance to customers, including asking them to only visit pubs if they feel well.

Wetherspoons will release results on October 9 and does not intend to start any new pub development projects in the next 12 months.

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