Suntory explores protective headgear for drinking

Japanese drinks group Suntory is designing different forms of protective headgear and face coverings that will allow for safe drinking in pubs and bars.

Currently, face coverings do not allow for an easy drinking experience

According to a report by the Financial Times, Suntory’s chief executive, Takeshi Niinami, tasked a group of employees with creating prototypes for a face covering which will not detract from the experience of a night out.

The initiative comes as numbers of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Japan have risen in recent weeks as the country steps up tracing, but continues to ease restrictions. Tokyo reported 119 new cases yesterday (13 July) after four consecutive days with over 200. Japan as a whole has reported around 23,000 confirmed cases, with almost 1,000 deaths.

Suntory is developing shields that can be worn in Japanese izakaya bars, and has already come up with a number of ideas, which according to the FT, range in appearance from an astronaut’s helmet to an adapted sun visor.

While trials have already taken place, Suntory is yet to decide on the final design.

The drinks group is not alone. Los Angeles-based company Production Club has created a full-body suit called Micrashell, a form of PPE designed to allow users to dance, drink and even vape in close proximity.

Meanwhile, a team of inventors in Israel have developed a mask with a remote control mouth, which they say has the potential to transform the experience of dining out during the pandemic.

Other unusual approaches to social distancing in hospitality include pool noodle hats and designer dining lampshades. 

The UK is cautiously reopening hospitality outlets, with England and Northern Ireland already allowing indoor facilities to trade. Scotland is due to reopen indoor outlets tomorrow (15 July) while hospitality businesses in Wales must wait until 3 August.

The government has announced that face coverings are to be mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England from 24 July. It joins countries including Scotland, Germany, Italy and Spain in imposing such a measure.

Leave your reply

Most Recent Stories

40% of restaurant food poisoning outbreaks due to sick workers

Investigators with the CDC have revealed that sick hospitality workers were the cause of 40% of food poisoning outbreaks at US restaurants between 2017 and 2019.

Arctic-aged English sparkling wine causes a splash in Norway

East Sussex's Rathfinny Estate partnered with Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten on a six month experiment that took English sparkling wine to new depths.

Laurent-Perrier launches summer terrace with Nobu

Champagne Laurent-Perrier will be hosting 'Serenity in the City', a new summer terrace at Portman Square's Nobu Hotel.

Drops of Gold? How adding gold nanoparticles can improve wine

Researchers in Australia have shown how gold nanoparticles can successfully remove unwanted sulphur aromas from wine through a scientific trial.

The best rosés from The Champagne Masters 2023

These are the leading rosés from this year's Champagne Masters, ranging from the young and fresh to the fully mature and vinous.

Most Recent Stories

40% of restaurant food poisoning outbreaks due to sick workers

Investigators with the CDC have revealed that sick hospitality workers were the cause of 40% of food poisoning outbreaks at US restaurants between 2017 and 2019.

Arctic-aged English sparkling wine causes a splash in Norway

East Sussex's Rathfinny Estate partnered with Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten on a six month experiment that took English sparkling wine to new depths.

Laurent-Perrier launches summer terrace with Nobu

Champagne Laurent-Perrier will be hosting 'Serenity in the City', a new summer terrace at Portman Square's Nobu Hotel.

Drops of Gold? How adding gold nanoparticles can improve wine

Researchers in Australia have shown how gold nanoparticles can successfully remove unwanted sulphur aromas from wine through a scientific trial.

The best rosés from The Champagne Masters 2023

These are the leading rosés from this year's Champagne Masters, ranging from the young and fresh to the fully mature and vinous.