Five Birmingham hotels have been named in a safety standard list of 175 “Covid-safe stays” in the country.
A newly launched Safe to Trade Scheme helps holidaymakers identify which hotels, bars, restaurants and cinemas are going the extra mile to ensure the safety of their staff and guests by implementing measures that go above and beyond the Government’s guidelines for trading during the pandemic.
The city hotels have been independently audited by the Safe to Trade scheme’s team of expert environmental health practitioners and have had to pass a strict approval process and stringent health and safety guidance.
The praised city hotels are Hotel Indigo in The Cube, Hotel du Vin on Church Street and on Hagley Road, New Hall Hotel and Spa in Sutton Coldfield, and Malmaison at the Mailbox. A total of 21 Midlands hotels are named within the full list.
The establishments feature on a national register which is regularly updated following honest feedback – both good and bad – from staff and customers.
The scheme was launched by hospitality safety experts, including the former CEO of the Health and Safety Executive and Food Standards Agency and the ex-Head of Local Delivery at Food Standards Agency.
A spokeswoman for the scheme told BirminghamLive: “Each venue has to perform a self-assessment, including use of the scheme’s Covid-19 risk assessment template, that is then independently verified by the auditor, who then works with each business to interpret and implement Covid-19 legal and best practice requirements.
“An independent auditor works with them on a one-to-one basis to ensure that they are doing everything possible to keep their customers safe.”
Mark Flanagan, who chairs the Safe to Trade Scheme governance board, said: “We are delighted to announce the first 175 UK hotels to meet our stringent standards and be deemed as Safe to Trade.
“For those customers looking to make the most of what’s left of the summer with a UK staycation but who want to do so as safely as possible, the Safe to Trade Scheme provides peace of mind.
“Customers who consult our register of approved venues at safetotrade.org.uk can search for a hotel by name or location and be confident that every approved hotel that features on the list complies fully with the law.”
Mr Flanagan added: “If a customer sees something concerning at a venue or wants to share a positive experience, then they can simply scan the QR code on the venue’s Safe to Trade window sticker, or visit the Safe to Trade Scheme website, search for the business to feedback anonymously as well as rate the business.
“This is then fed back to the hotel, and outlet managers and owners are encouraged to adjust and adapt their practices to ensure that their business stays Covid compliant and safe.”
