June 21: D-Day
Sanitiser in hand - are we ready?
June 21st is the day that Boris has said the world will open again.
I have been riding out the pandemic like many people on furlough, safe in my little bubble at home, but after just over a year of hibernation we are coming back - which leaves me feeling anxious. And that’s because I am a bartender in a local pub in the heart of the home counties.
The industry has been blamed for the spread of the disease, but it is also crucial for economic growth (just think back to the notorious “Eat Out to Help Out”). This has led to the messages being both mixed and just a tad confusing.
We have been here before in many variations: mandatory masks, sustainable meals, table service and now outside service only. Who knew how much could have, or would have, changed in a year. The industry has been flipped on its head and told to start over - repeatedly.
So where are we now? As of the start of April we start to get back in the swing of things; we get more covid training and everyone is getting excited to open the doors again, but, in truth, are we prepared for that moment? Can we all keep together and follow the rules?
History says not so much. Some of the shifts I've been through have been totally chaotic; we try our hardest to be covid safe but after a few beverages customers just don't want to listen. Alcohol seems to make them invincible…. or so they believe.
As for my experience of working in a pub right now, it's been tough to say the least. There have been blood sweat and tears from all, some have even burnt out. It seems that everyone is so desperate to go to the pub that they have forgotten those who are helping them be here.
The next issue is the vaccine program too. As more and more people get vaccinated, people are getting bolder - thinking that they are immune and forgetting that they could be carriers. This leaves people who are last in the queue for the vaccine vulnerable - it’s important to remember that young people can still get ill i.e the demographic of people who are most likely to be working in hospitality.
It’s just illness to consider either. If symptoms appear, then begins a cycle of self isolation until you test negative before heading back to work. An increase in staff absences means that everyone suffers, the hours increase and, ultimately, the strain of missing members can almost be too much to take.
If I’m honest, June 21st and the opening of everything worries me. Are we ready for the 21st of June? No, not in the slightest - and we’ll see that reality everywhere, from staff mental health to stock shortages and financial impact. As more places are able to open up again it begs the question who or what will make up this shortfall.
So if you are one of those people who has headed back to the pubs with great gusto, spare a thought for your waiter and bartender; bare with them as we adjust back into work. Remember, you have been away from the pub the same amount of time as us.
Written by Roan Maclean
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