Admiral Taverns launches online support platform for licensees

The 'Rising From Lockdown' platform, which went live on the company’s website yesterday (17 June), has been designed to help licensees navigate the reopening process.

While there is currently no official date set for when pubs and restaurants across the country will be able to reopen following March's sector-wide shutdown, the Government has said it is currently on course to allow some businesses in the hospitality industry to reopen on 4 July.

The platform is laid out in two ways: by weekly countdown, which gives licensees a roadmap of recommended actions; and by operational area, such as property, retail offer, and marketing.

It includes a checklist for licensees to ensure they are complying with guidelines; a sample of licensee risk assessments; a four-weekly operational plan; tips for the best way to tackle reopening; and free online workshops created in partnership with the Pub and Bar Academy, which will focus on safety measures, property readiness, cellar management, and marketing advice.

Admiral's team has compiled its information, in part, using draft Government guidelines, and will be regularly updated as the guidance changes.

It has also taken into account consumer research, as well as insight from licensees on the measures they feel will be helpful for reopening.

“During the Covid-19 crisis our approach has been to be as proactive and supportive to our licensees as possible and we were determined to ensure that they have some useful material available to help open their pubs when guidelines permit," says Ian Ronayne, managing director of Admiral Taverns.

"Rising From Lockdown gathers some tools, timely information and common sense reminders in one place to help licensees re-start their businesses. Throughout Covid-19 our pub communities have been hugely supportive, and we can’t wait for our licensees to be able to welcome them back into their local pubs.”