PM Boris Johnson said that all stages of reopening would depend on data about the spread of the virus and that there would be at least five weeks between each steps. This means an earlier step being pushed back would see subsequent steps pushed back by the same time.
Last week, gambling industry body the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) urged the government to allow betting shops and casinos to reopen at the same time as other similar businesses, after many faced extended closures in earlier lockdowns.
“Betting shops must be allowed to reopen alongside other non-essential retail Last summer, when most betting shops were able to open, they showed that they have best-in-class anti-Covid measures compared to any other part of the high street to protect customers and staff,” the entity said.
Johnson said that this reopening schedule would be a “one-way” road, with the aim of no reintroduction of restrictions once they are lifted. While the rules will only apply to England, the Prime Minister said his government was working closely with the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on the lifting of measures.
Debbie Husband, National Director of Operations for casino operator Grosvenor, said: “2020 was a year that we look back on with little fondness. We played our part in supporting the national effort and my Grosvenor colleagues went over and above the call of duty in supporting vulnerable groups and front-line services with our nationwide provision of daily meals from our casino kitchens – something that we’ve been continuing into 2021.”
“But when it comes to the story of re-opening, re-closing and countless setbacks, 2020 was a year of enormous frustration. Had that frustration been underpinned by any scientific evidence, we’d have sucked it up. But it wasn’t. All the evidence pointed to casinos being safer than vast swathes of businesses and industries which were able to trade,” Husband added.
“I continue to hope that the government will recognise what we’re requesting, what we are offering to do, the tremendous contribution that we make to employment and tax receipts, and to ensure that casinos can safely and securely play our part in the recovery of our towns and cities sooner rather than later,” Husband concluded.
Source: GMB
