The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has applauded the British government’s decision to permit the reopening of betting shops in Tier 3 areas. However, the BGC is still campaigning for casinos to be allowed to open again.
Betting shops to reopen soon
Boris Johnson confirmed the news when outlining the government’s plan for easing the nationwide lockdown on December 3rd. As the restrictions stand currently, betting shops are the only non-essential high street retailer that cannot operate in Tier 3 areas. Michael Dugher, chief executive of BGC, was pleased with the announcement.
“This is great news for our customers in communities across large parts of England and for the thousands of people employed in high street betting shops,” he said. “On top of the stringent anti-COVID measures betting shops already adhere to, our members have agreed to further restrictions to limit any chance of COVID being transmitted in their premises.”
Casinos are still pending
Despite the good news about betting shops, the UK government insisted that casinos must remain closed in Tier 3 areas. The BGC chief executive expressed his disappointment. “Casinos are best-in-class amongst the hospitality sector when it comes to anti-Covid measures.”
“There is no evidence that they contribute to the spread of the virus. So, it remains extremely disappointing that they are still being ordered to close in Tier 3 areas.”
Dugher continued: “We do welcome the decision to extend the hospitality curfew by an hour to 11pm, but we will continue to make the case that casinos are uniquely exposed to any curfew and we will press for their full and safe reopening in all parts of the country.”
