Sidmouth Costa Coffee is closing its seating area and will be serving all food and drinks in takeaway cups and packaging from today (Thurs).

CEO Jill McDonald has announced a raft of changes which will effect all the company's coffee shops.

In a statement on the Costa Coffee website she states: "As we continue to follow the advice and recommendations from the Government and health authorities, we have made several changes to our stores to help support in social distancing.

"We know that you will understand we are doing this because we believe it's the best and safest way to continue to serve great Costa Coffee."

Starting today in Sidmouth:

• The seating areas will be closed, but toilets will be open for customer use
• Drinks will be served in takeaway cups and food in takeaway packaging
• Reusable cups will not be filled, but Costa Coffee will honour its 25p discount if you take in your own cup
• Transactions will be cashless with only card payments being accepted
• Newspapers will be temporarily removed
• There will be a more limited food range, but still choice 'for all dietary requirements and preferences'

"Whilst some of these changes will feel quite disruptive we believe they are the right thing to do for our customers and store teams.

"We are especially mindful of the move to takeaway only and ask that customers dispose of and recycle their Costa Coffee packaging responsibly.

"We will continue to recycle cups and welcome you dropping them back into store, if possible.

"We thank you in advance for your support and assure you that these changes are temporary and will be regularly reviewed.

"These are difficult times and where we can provide a safe and familiar environment in your community, we hope to do so," adds Ms McDonald.