Pubs braced for swine flu

Pubs across the country are preparing to meet the expected second wave of swine flu head on and refuse to be downbeat about its potential impact on trade.

With more than 100,000 people having caught swine flu in the last week alone and the pandemic expected to take a firm grip in the autumn many pubs could be forced to send staff and customers home.

But Anita Adams, licensee of the Golden Slipper in York said: "We're just taking the regular precautions and doing things normally, keeping the pub clean and using the usual antibacterial."

And Andy Brooks of the Laughing Fish in Uckfield, West Sussex, said: "It's not an issue affecting trade. We are not doing anything different than the usual upkeep of the pub."

Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, said: "The most important thing is to keep getting people into pubs and keeping things running. Making sure risk assessments are done, and to maintain high levels of hygiene."

But Colin Sidney, licensee of the Chesterfield in Newcastle, said he was concerned that he could not find insurance covering swine flu.

"My broker said there are no plans to cover it at the moment but my main concern is how to decide if someone, be it staff or customer, is infected.

"We need more information from the Department of Health."

A spokesman for the DOH told The Publican​ the key message was "not to panic."

He said: "We recommend for pubs to keep high levels of hygiene as a rule to prevent the flu from spreading.

"If you show signs of the virus don't go into work, stay indoors and contact the National Pandemic helpline on 0800 1513 513.

Meanwhile the Federation of Small Businesses has urged Health Secretary Andy Burnham to draft proposals to help businesses.

This includes simplifying the way small firms are reimbursed for paying out statutory sick pay, and stopping unnecessary routine business inspections during the height of the pandemic.

Swine Flu Facts

Symptoms are similar to other flu viruses and include fever, sore throat, diarrhoea and headaches

Most people recover within a week, even without special treatment.

The virus was first identified in Mexico in April and has since spread around the globe.

More than 800 people have died globally and it is not yet clear how big a risk it carries.

For more information visit www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk​