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ambling facilities in England were told earlier this month that they will be able to resume operations on 1 August, four months after they were closed as part of the coronavirus lockdown. But so far, their colleagues in other parts of the United Kingdom remain in the dark about when they can open again.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) made the plea, saying businesses need clarity after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned companies she may not be able to announce many more relaxations when lockdown restrictions are next reviewed on Thursday.
A return to full-time schooling in August and the end of shielding requirements at the end of this month are the Scottish Government’s priorities and keeping levels of Covid-19 low is vital to achieve them, Ms Sturgeon has said.
But with casinos in England having been told they can reopen their doors from August 1, the BGC called on the Scottish and Welsh governments to set their own dates, the Daily Record reports.
Casinos across the UK – which employ 14,000 people and contribute around £300 million a year to the Treasury – have introduced a range of anti-coronavirus measures to ensure the safety of their staff and customers.
These include Perspex screens and the introduction of track and trace systems, as well as hand sanitiser stations and strict social distancing guidelines inside.
A BGC spokesman said: “We were delighted when the UK Government announced that casinos in England could reopen from August 1.
“It was a tremendous boost for their staff and customers, but also for the Treasury, which has been spending £5 million a week on furlough costs for casino workers during lockdown.
“It is now time for ministers in Edinburgh and Cardiff to end the uncertainty which still faces 2,000 casino staff in Scotland and Wales by giving them a date for reopening.”
He added: “Businesses need clarity and so far this has been lacking from both administrations.
“We urge them to work with casinos to allow to reopen safely.”
