Contactless payments key as McDonald's UK steps up reopening plan

McDonald’s UK and Ireland has updated its coronavirus outbreak reopening plan, with contactless payments playing a major role.

“Eight weeks ago, we took the decision to close our entire restaurant estate, an unprecedented decision taken in the best interests of our employees and customers,” Paul Pomroy, CEO, McDonald's UK and Ireland, said in an email to customers.

“Over the last two months we have worked tirelessly to overhaul our operational procedures to enable our teams to return to work safely and I am pleased to write to you the day before we begin testing our return to the UK and Ireland.”

From 11am today, 15 pilot restaurants in the South East of England will offer delivery only via Uber Eats. There will be a £25 order cap as the fast food giant adjusts to smaller teams and social distancing in its kitchens.

In the last few days, updated government guidance has been shared in both the UK and Ireland, which makes it clear that takeaways and deliveries can operate. Next week, McDonald’s will therefore begin the next phase of reopening a further 30 pilot restaurants in the UK and Ireland, offering service through the Drive Thru lane from Wednesday, 20th May.

The plan is to reopen all Drive Thrus by early June. Spend will be capped at £25 per car and customers will be encouraged to use contactless payment methods wherever possible.

“As we get accustomed to the new processes and procedures, we will look to reopen more restaurants, for longer hours and reintroduce more menu items. But only when I am confident we can do so whilst maintaining the new procedures we have introduced for the protection of our people,” Pomroy said.

“Learning from our initial phases, we will start to return to towns and cities across the UK and Ireland and thank you for your continued support as we work through this crisis. We will continue to keep you updated via email, our website and our social media channels,” he concluded.