Leicestershire pub group Steamin' Billy is already planning how to operate once Government lockdown rules change.

It is looking possible that pubs will be allowed to reopen from July and many are now making plans for how they will do so safely.

That includes Steamin' Billy, which runs six pubs in Leicestershire, including The Parcel Yard in Leicester, The Cow and Plough in Oadby and The Dog and Gun at Syston, along with three pubs outside of the county.

The company is owned by Billy Allingham, who also owns bowling alley East Street Lanes and crazy golf course Caddyshackers.

Billy says he will ensure his sites operate "as safely as a supermarket" - and that he even hopes to be allowed to reopen next month.

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Work is currently underway at the pubs to ensure they are ready for customers to return in July - or sooner.

“We are hoping to push the Government to allow us to open in June,” he told LeicestershireLive.

“We completed hazard analysis and risk assessments at all our sites so our staff and customers have clear guidelines of how we can operate as safely as a supermarket.

"We are working with Hospitality UK and using WHO and government guidelines.”

Changes being made to the pubs include:

  •  furniture being spaced out to ensure social distancing;
  •  installation of hand sanitiser stations;

  • reduction in the number of people in the pubs at any one time;

  • all payments being made by card as venues go cashless

  • order and collection points;

  • reduced menu choice so that fewer staff are working in the kitchens;

  • reduced opening hours;

  • one way systems will be introduced;

  • a one-in, one-out system for the toilets;

  • heightened cleaning schedules will be also be in place.

According to Billy, return to work questionnaires have been sent to all staff, who will also receive hand washing training.

They will also have the option to wear PPE, which will be provided for them.

Talking about the future, Billy said: “The pub and restaurant environment is a hubbub of activity and I'm sure it wont take too long to return.

"It will be a little weird adjusting to the new normal but I'm sure the great British public will adapt and adhere to guidelines.

"It is up to us as individuals to get things back to normal-ish as soon as possible.

"The potential financial timebomb around the corner will have devastating effects for a long time.

"While the furlough scheme is in place we are losing less money than we anticipate once lockdown is over and customers return slowly.

"It has been great to keep in touch with our customers with online quizzes and takeaways - but we can't wait to get back to some sort of new normal."