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??

[Drivingdownthe101]

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

While they’re eating/drinking?

[TheVanguardSix]

No masks apart from chefs (maybe). But it must be ghastly cooking with them on, so... I’m not fussed really.

[DomDoesWotHeWants]

I'd want staff serving me to be wearing masks. I thought they were supposed to.

[OddBoots]

I didn't realise it would be optional, I might wait a while before I go.

[ShyTown]

Restaurants are open where I live. All staff have to wear masks and so do diners except when seated at the table. It’s fine. Even my 3YO is happy to wear a fabric one to go to the bathroom.

[shinynewapple2020]

I would rather serving staff wore masks. I can't see how customers can wear masks to eat and drink so at least if staff wear them there is some protection.

[daisydalrymple]

Thanks so much for all these responses. Really informative to have so many opinions thank you.

[Indoctro]

Masks on if enclosed space is what I'd want

[BogRollBOGOF]

I loathe masks.
Useless if not used properly; as a chin hammock, pulled up and down, fidgeted with, left under the nose...
It's impossible to see what people are saying, especially when it all sounds like "mwmphle wmphle pmfle" anyway.
That horrid billowing sucky motion at the mouth is gross. It looks like suffocating.
There are many medical/ mental health reasons why they are inadvisable for many people. They can be very distressing to some.

The majority of the time outside of a medical setting, it's just virtue signalling rather than genuinely helpful.

I would prefer to be in a setting without them

[GlomOfNit]

Over the last few weeks I've been treating myself to the odd takeaway coffee, cake etc ... out of maybe five different venues for this (including a Costa) the only place where the serving staff wore masks was a very small independent vegan cafe. No masks in Costa particularly shocked me because I thought it would look better for their corporate image. We all know mask-wearing is altruistic. I don't go into ANY indoor public spaces without one on, not even for a couple of minutes. I would like my food or drink prepared and handed to me by someone who's wearing a mask, and that's not just a courtesy returned because I'm wearing one to avoid giving them anything - it seems vital to do this if you're preparing food that's going to be eaten/drunk immediately.

[Endless11]

There’s a reason other countries have made them mandatory in a lot of settings, and it has nothing to do with signalling virtue.

At least they are obligatory on public transport now.

[LilBlackLab]

I think all food/drink should be delivered to the table in one go.....staff should not return to the table between courses or while customers are eating

Staff need protection too

[HeIenaDove]

Theres a reason other countries were/are disinfecting the streets but we arent doing that.


i suspect because the Government would have to pay for people to do it whereas we are all paying for our own masks

[incognitomum]

Visors would be better if they were going to wear anything. Masks won't protect the staff.

I don't mind either way.

[MuffinHead]

I too work in hospitality as bar/waiting staff, the pub I work for is a big company and we aren't opening until much later than others. We will be having to wear masks and plastic visors and I am not too bothered about it. Some might think it's a bit excessive, and our pub company's twitter has been absolutely slated for it, but I would feel so much more comfortable working with a little bit more of that protection. As a customer I wouldn't be fussed if the staff were wearing them, and if the staff wanted to wear one I don't see why not. Good luck with reopening and hope all goes well!

[strugglingwithdeciding]

Surely the mask unless medical grade isnt actually protecting the staff , thats not how face covering work
Personally wouldnt be bothered if served by staff not wearing masks
And i find it strange aa a customer you could be expected to wear a mask in a restaurant which you will need to remove to eat , therefore touching your face twice once to remove and then to put on again when finished

[strugglingwithdeciding]

@Helenadiove you make that comment about disinfecting the streets all the time
What countries do that ?
And how would it help ? I mean are you licking the pavement ?
Spraying disenfectant around also has to be done carefully

[Catastrofuck]

I think it should be up to staff. I prefer no mask but I don’t care if someone is wearing one. My local bakery has a mixture of staff wearing masks and not wearing masks at the counter

[Catastrofuck]

“ No masks in Costa particularly shocked me because I thought it would look better for their corporate image. We all know mask-wearing is altruistic.”

The altruistic thing is debatable. Costa may well feel it’s better for their corporate image not to be forcing staff and customers to wear face coverings.

[heyheyho]

The place I’m going to says customers don’t have to wear masks. Good, useless things and what’s the point if you have to remove when eating and drinking

[Fairybatman]

I would prefer staff to be wearing a mask and visor. I would absolutely not go somewhere that had a policy of not allowing staff to wear masks if they wish.

[Mostpeculiar]

The most important thing is what staff want

[MoreW1ne]

So I'm sure everyone will say we all deserve to go out and what about the clinically vulnerable. But to be honest if you're going in a pub or restaurant you take that risk at the moment. You cant have it both ways. So no I dont think masks should be required.

Ultimaltey it should be free choice of the staff just like it should be free choice for any work place. I wouldn't visit a place if I knew if was forced by employer and equally wouldn't go if I knew it was refused.

[whoknowswhichwayisup]

Masks or visors please. I'm avoiding a local cafe that has a screen but the lady is sitting there with no mask or gloves with all the uncovered cakes.

[bluemolly]

Temperature checks are pointless.

I would expect staff to wear masks. And I think you need to do a proper risk assessment, not just ask people what they feel like.