I'm not going to a restaurant again.

[ssd]

Me and dh just been out for dinner. Cheap and cheerful place, food not brilliant but half price so can't complain. Social distancing in place, took contact details at door, hand sanitiser at entrance and exit, paid contact less. Our table has plenty space around it.

Still felt too dodgy. Didn't enjoy it.
Won't be doing that again for a while.

It’s also a real shame for children if they are being denied opportunities to go out and socialise because of their parents’ anxieties. And then difficult to tell the same kids it’s ok to get on the school bus and sit in a classroom if their parents think a restaurant is unsafe I would have thought

I think if the staff had been wearing masks and social distancing I'd gave felt better. I'd have felt like they were taking it seriously.
Why are restaurant staff not wearing masks or visors when retail staff need to wear them?
Am in Scotland, I thought we all had to wear them.

All the restaurant staff near where I live wear visors. Socially distanced. Perfectly safe. No problem.

@Camassia

All the restaurant staff near where I live wear visors. Socially distanced. Perfectly safe. No problem.

That's all I wanted. The reason I wrote this thread is because that wasn't happening. I know going somewhere it was happening would make me change my mind.

Ssd. It's a shame it's not being done properly near you. It should be.

Yes, but possibly just that one place, we haven't been to many.

I’ve been out quite a bit. All staff had masks, there were one way systems etc. It does sound like a one off.

Yes probably. I'm anxious and a worrier which doesn't help. Dh isn't though and he said he was put off too.

I guess it all takes time to readjust and get on with it.

In your OP you said there was social distancing in place then later said there was no social distancing... who was/wasn’t social distancing?

The staff weren't social distancing, although there were markers on the floor and we were told to walk one way, and to not go up the stairs if someone was coming down. Although the staff were walking up and down together. It was like they were paying lip service to the guidelines but not putting them into practice.

Went to a lovely local Thai restaurant. First time out in ages. Loved it. They’re just about holding on. Happy to support them.

@ssd

The staff weren't social distancing, although there were markers on the floor and we were told to walk one way, and to not go up the stairs if someone was coming down. Although the staff were walking up and down together. It was like they were paying lip service to the guidelines but not putting them into practice.

You do realise that we cannot serve you and observe social distancing? That when 2 people are working a bar, they cannot social distance?

We do what wecan but the simple fact is that if you want to eat out, you need to accept that your servers will have to come close enough to actually serve you.

Or do you suggest we use The Force to get your meal and drinks to you?

And when I spend 10 hours in the close company of another person, as is the requirement of our jobs, there is little point in keeping 2 metres apart on the odd occasion that we can, given that if either of us has the virus, it will have been passed on within the first half an hour of our shift.

@Lovely13

I absolutely agree! It's been refreshing to just be out again; and will never take simple pleasures for granted again. Also agree about struggling restaurants trying to hang on.

I've seen many photos of friends recently meeting up with people at restaurants and sharing a table. I honestly don't know how and why that is allowed. A table of 4 women with no social distancing whatsoever is surely not within the rules? 1m+ not observed, sitting hugging each other or just next to each other for two hours is a sure way of spreading something if you have it asymptomatically.

I think opening pubs and restaurants has massively confused people. People are relaxing and having house parties and mixing with others closely. We are dealing with a disease that spreads silently, it can linger in the air. Places where people aren't social distancing and people can't wear masks in the enclosed space are simply not viable to be open. The government should be supporting these industries that are unsafe to be open and continuing furlough.

We were out for dinner with friends last night. It was lovely to see them and have a meal and drinks. We were sat outside. The risk is low and manageable with good hygiene- lots of hand washing and social distancing in crowded indoor places. There was less risk than I’ll have today going to Tesco’s.

In Tesco everyone will be wearing a mask, you won't be sat in close proximity to others (just because you know them doesn't make them safe) and you will be there for a brief amount of time. Outside is lower risk, but not no risk. Unless one household per table is enforced and the tables are 2m apart of course...

In my local Tesco, everyone is wearing a mask. But under their noses! 🤷‍♀️

I've seen many photos of friends recently meeting up with people at restaurants and sharing a table. I honestly don't know how and why that is allowed.

Because life has to go on. I've met up with friends for lunch and dinner, why wouldn't I? I am happy to take that risk and do my bit by supporting restaurants. This virus will be around a long time and I am not willing to put my life on hold.

@BobFleming

In my local Tesco, everyone is wearing a mask. But under their noses! 🤷‍♀️

I don't believe you. Some people might be doing that, but I doubt it is the majority.

@FurForksSakeEating out - we’re going for brunch as usual tomorrow is it’s a risk I’m now happy to take. Thankfully the number of deaths is very low - at one point last week lower than normal. Life has to go on - what’s the alternative- not go anywhere?

@FurForksSake I believe the PP

where I live they seem to pull down their mask everytime they talk 🤷🏼‍♀️

I've just seen online that face masks aren't compulsory in restaurants in Scotland. I thought they were. That explains why the staff weren't wearing them. I guess it's optional if staff wear them but I think it's a good idea, sort if makes the customer feel a bit safer. Well it would me anyway.

We've been out to eat with friends and as it's two households the restaurants have always pulled the two tables slightly apart to 1-2m gap, or had chairs at the opposite ends of a bigger table. We've opted to have couples facing one another, and then sat side by side of the friend - but with a gap between, as that reduces the risk as well.

So not maybe 2m but 1m+ is possible.

I've never been one for hugging and kissing friends anyway.

Just don’t go out then.
I work in a pub kitchen. Today temperatures are tipped to top 34oC. If I had to wear a mask in that heat, cook in an already boiling hot kitchen I’d pass out.
All staff have their temperature taken on arrival, we hand sanitise every 15 minutes.
Everything the customer touches (salt & pepper etc ) is santitised.
If you don’t feel comfortable just stay home & let other people have your table in the sunshine & enjoy themselves