Pret A Manger to give free drinks to NHS workers

Pret A Manger has announced that it will provide hot drinks to NHS staff free of charge from Wednesday.

In a Twitter post the popular coffee chain also said that NHS workers would receive a 50% discount on everything else bought in store as a thank you for everything they are doing in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Pret has 450 stores worldwide, and has vowed to stay open and continue serving customers despite falling customer numbers which are expected to plummet further after prime minister Boris Johnson urged the public to avoid restaurants, pubs and other “social venues” on Monday.

Pret said that they were bringing in new health measures including banning reusable cups. Customers who bring their own cups or flasks will still receive a discount but will be given a single-use cup instead.

In a message on its website, the company said they will be operating mainly as a takeaway business from Wednesday, with seating areas closed.

Other measures in place include moving cutlery and napkins behind tills to prevent them being touched by multiple customers, and possible changes to opening times.

The company said all staff now wash their hands every half an hour and immediately after handling cash.

Mcdonald’s will also give free drinks to workers in the emergency services and health and social care sectors if they present their work pass when ordering. The fast food chain has also closed its seating areas and is just providing takeaway services.