UK gambling giant Rank Group revealed that 36 of its Mecca Bingo venues are set to reopen in England as of July 4th as part of the Government’s policy to gradually relax the coronavirus lockdown measures for local businesses. Now, restaurants, pubs, museums, cinemas, hotels and bingo halls would be allowed to reopen their doors after more than three months of closure because of the Covid-19 outbreak.
In accordance with the public safety measures unveiled by the UK Government, Rank Group has shared that it is to initiate phased reopening of three dozens of its Mecca Bingo venues in England from July 4th. The gambling operator is aimed at reestablishing its considerable retail footprint across the country after the coronavirus outbreak forced it to shut all of its venues in the middle of March, along with many other businesses as part of the nationwide lockdown.
The reopening of the Mecca Bingo venues across England would be held under strict social distancing measures, Rank Group revealed. The gambling operator further noted that it would encourage contactless payments at the venues so that customers’ health is protected and ensured that all Mecca premises have been proofed against Covid-19 ahead of reopening. The company explained that all staff members have been trained to ensure the upkeep of social distancing measures and all sanitary standards imposed by the Government to guarantee public safety.
Governments of Scotland and Wales Have Not Still Allowed Mecca Bingo Premises’ Reopening
For the time being, Rank Group revealed that it is set to reopen only 36 Mecca Bingo venues on the territory of England. As for the rest of the country, the gambling operator is awaiting further guidance from the Governments of Scotland and Wales to allow it to resume operations of all its 86 Mecca Bingo venues.
A week ago, Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed that the UK Government is set to relax lockdown measures on leisure and entertainment businesses, including hotels, museums, restaurants, pubs, hair salons, etc. Casinos, however, were among the excluded businesses pending further approval from the Government to reopen. This decision has faced criticism by John O’Reilly, the CEO of Rank Group, who has called for the authorities to provide more details on the matter and clarify its judgement.
As mentioned above, while preparing Mecca Bingo venues’ reopening, Rank Group revealed that it would encourage its customers to use contactless payment methods, as well as special venue applications to place their food orders.
As confirmed by the managing director of Mecca Bingo’s retail unit, Jonathon Swaine, the gambling operator management wanted to reassure the customer base of its Mecca venues that the gambling company would take every precaution necessary to make sure they are provided with a safe environment to play their favourite game. Furthermore, Mr Swaine revealed that the company was making investments in new entertainment formats in its clubs in order to improve the customer experience even more.
- Author
Olivia Cole
