‘Covid-19 safety measures have boosted our business’

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY: Charlotte Bailey and Lee Kirman at Humber Street Distillery

A business owner says the early implementation of Covid-19 safety measures has boosted his trade.

Lee Kirman, who jointly owns The Minerva, Taphouse and Humber Street Distillery with his partner Charlotte Bailey, said more customers are visiting their businesses on Hull Marina and Humber Street because they feel safer.

Mr Kirman said: “We had to adapt and take responsibility. During lockdown we sat down with our managers to devise a management plan for each site, acknowledging that each of our bars are different and welcome different clientele.”

The plans included the introduction of an app at Taphouse, where customers can order drinks directly to their table, and at all their bars customers are required to register their details on entry before being shown to their tables.

Mr Kirman said: “We’ve been surprised at how good trade has been; trade seems to be more stretched out with people visiting our bars earlier in the week than they did prior to lockdown. I think part of this is due to people knowing that we have these measures in place and therefore they feel safer.

“The vast majority of our customers completely understand why we have introduced these measures and respect them, although we did have an occasion when someone refused to register their details so we simply refused them entry.”

Mr Kirman employs 50 staff across his bars and praised them for their response to the changes.

He said: “All our staff are bright, they understand why we’ve introduced these safety measures and the importance of implementing them.

“As a business owner, the health and safety of my staff and customers is of paramount importance, but also as a businessman, I want my bars to be open.

“The more businesses that take the guidance seriously, the more chance we have of keeping our doors open.”

Hull City Council has worked closely with businesses to support them and encourage them to implement Covid-19 safe practices.

Councillor Daren Hale, portfolio holder for regeneration and economic development, said: “The response from Hull’s business sector has been phenomenal, with the vast majority of businesses engaging with the council and putting in place safe Covid-19 practices.

'WE HAD TO ADAPT': Charlotte Bailey, Councillor Daren Hale, centre, and Lee Kirman. Picture taken before social distancing guidance

“I have no doubt that the exemplary attitude and responsibility shown by our business sector has played an important role in keeping the infection rate in Hull considerably lower than other parts of the country, but there is still a long way to go.

“We want to ensure that businesses remain open - that Hull remains open. As ever, this is a collective effort. Together, we’ve done an incredible job, but the job is by no means finished. As we’ve seen across the globe, this terrible virus is not something you can get complacent with, so let’s continue to stay vigilant, work together and keep Hull safe.”

Advice for businesses is available at www.gov.uk.