Eating out - will you want staff to wear face masks?

[daisydalrymple]

I’m just wondering what people’s feelings are towards bar and waiting on staff wearing masks, once pubs and restaurants reopen? Would you prefer they did or didn’t wear a protective face mask?

I work in hospitality, we haven’t reopened yet, but our bosses have told us we will not be wearing face masks, as they want our customers to enjoy the true pub experience they love us for, with great food and drink in a relaxed atmosphere, which they don’t think will be possible if staff are wearing masks.

They’re working on other recommended safety measures to be in place, staff having temp taken on arrival, hand sanitising on arrival and throughout shift, social distancing with tables etc.

Most of my colleagues are relieved they don’t have to wear a mask, whilst a few are extremely concerned that they can’t. Whilst I appreciate the company want things to get back to normal for our customers, it’s obvious things aren’t ‘normal’ as they were pre-lockdown. I’m wondering if they’re right in thinking customers won’t want a mask wearing server, or if people would prefer the reassurance of knowing people carrying drinks and food have their mouth and nose covered??

How does the 1m+ work in pubs/restaurants?

Not bothered, but if staff want to then I hope they have the choice.

If customers feel nervous, then best they don't go out. More tables for the rest of us!

The rules are clear, masks are to be worn and your employer is wrong to say you can’t. The masks are there to protect your customers as well as protecting you to an extent.

Whilst I don’t intend to eat out I would not step one foot inside a pub, restaurant or whatever if staff are not wearing one

This is another example where it seems to work in other countries but not in ours.

There is an article in the Times today saying that if people don’t follow the guidelines once pubs etc are open then it is possible that schools wont be able to be open fully in September. I think I would prefer that waiting staff have to wear masks than children not going back to school.

definitely masks for serving staff and staff in cold kitchen area.
staff behind counter could be behind a screen.

I'd want it to be the employees' choice. I'd personally have no issue being served by someone without a mask but I wouldn't be happy going somewhere if I knew some staff were being prevented from wearing masks that they wanted to wear

Would prefer them not to wear masks. I was forced to wear one for a hospital appt, and they are vile. Hot and uncomfortable, and you can't see a thing if you also wear glasses. The idea of staff having to wear one in a hot restaurant while they are working seems horrendous to me.

I also think they are off-putting and make people look a bit paranoid.

can't see a thing if you also wear glasses.
if worn properly wearing glasses with masks is not an issue.

I’d prefer they did but I’d want it to be their choice.

is it a good idea in a high risk transition situation to protect yourself against transmission
hmmm?
It's not hard is it??
Personally I wouldnt even go in such a place, but that's no help to all those with jobs in the industry I know:(

you go to interview and are told masks are mandatory....fine,take the job or not

you've been in a job for years and it suddenly changes making masks mandatory and you won't wear it...so,what? they fire you.....for something not already in your contract. don't think so!

are customers being forced to wear masks when not eating?

I’m going for dinner on the 5th. I don’t care if they wear masks

@LilBlackLab in other countries customers have to wear masks whilst moving round the restaurant, obviously remove them when eating.

All NHS staff have to wear masks now.

I don't care, I think it should be the choice of the staff themselves.

Masks don't protect the wearer, they protect from the wearer. So if your customers are happy then you shouldn't worry about it.

Should say as a customer I would prefer staff to wear masks and not find it odd or ruining the atmosphere

but customers need to wear a mask also at all times except when eating....so even in-between courses,pre dinner drinks etc etc

Your employers don't sound very interested in the welfare of their staff

I'm in Germany
All staff in restaurants and pubs here wear masks

Customers wear masks until we sit at the table
and we have to give contact details before our order is taken

We soon got used to it; the new normal

Customers in germany don't wear masks once sat at the table
Staff wear masks all the time

Law is masks indoors whenever distancing of 1.5m may sometimes be breached
So all restaurants, shops, public transport, stations, taxis etc

I’ve just books two restaurants. One for mid July and another for Sept. I need to read the small print! Hopefully I’m not getting close to anyone bar my husband. If I don’t enjoy the experience I guess we don’t go again.

Read the small print for both. Hand sanitiser at one and no particular requirements at the other. Entrance and exit strictly monitored. I’m really hoping these meals are as back to normal as possible.

Absolutely no need for temperature checks, they are completely useless and misleadingly reassuring.

Mask and face shields.
Sanatise hands after every customer.
Publish cleaning routine
Everyone leaves name and number

I'd prefer all staff to wear masks. In fact if everyone in a public location wore one, but at least staff.

Absolutely yes. But then I'd want other customers to wear them too.