Hygiene standards a priority for restaurants in Covid-19 world

The nationwide shutdown of restaurants and cafes during the Covid-19 outbreak has resulted in some unexpected changes to insurance liabilities of hospitality businesses.

Speaking to Insurance Business, Argo Group director of risk management services Kevin Sandelin said businesses need to focus on heightened hygiene measures.

“Ideally, you want to go above and beyond those standards, considering the current climate with the coronavirus, and do more to try to reduce that possible exposure for both employees and customers,” he said.

Sandelin also warned of the rise of delivery only models as venues pivot to a takeaway service during the shutdown.

“If you’re keeping your business open for delivery services, there are lots of questions around that exposure” he said.

“When it comes to additional exposure related to drivers and delivery, a lot of it comes down to whether a business is using a third party, or whether they’re doing it in-house.

“The exposure is going to be different, which is why it’s really important for restaurant owners to talk to an insurance broker.”

Sandelin said restaurants also need to mitigate the risks associated with temporary closures.

“There are lots of things that restaurant owners can do, but they may not be top of mind right now,” he told Insurance Business.

“They’re more concerned with what’s going to happen to their business, and how to pay employees and cover the rent, but taking care of that facility appropriately while it’s closed is something that folks do need to think about.”

Sheridan Randall, 28^th April 2020