BINGO IS COMING BACK!
Today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke in the Houses of Parliament on the UK entering Phase 3 of lockdown. Although there are some venues that will remain closed, namely:
Nightclubs
Bowling alleys
Indoor play areas eg softplay
Spas
Nail bars
Tattoo parlours
Indoor fitness and gyms
Swimming pools
Waterparks
Conference centres
The good news is, that Bingo halls are not amongst them and it is firmly believed that Bingo Halls will be allowed to reopen again on July 4th.
Despite bingo halls NOT being on the Government ‘allowed' list as reported by the BBC:
Hotels
Bed and Breakfast
Holiday homes
Campsites
Caravan parks
Boarding houses
Places of worship
Libraries
Workplace canteens
Bars
Pubs
Cinemas
Museums and galleries
Outdoor playgrounds
Funfairs
Theme parks
Amusement arcades
Model villages
However, On the ITV Website, Bingo halls are categorically listed as opening on July 4th. Also, a large number of large political accounts on Twitter reporting bingo halls to reopen. So, we think it is fair to say that after four long months of lockdown, Bingo Halls are to reopen again on July 4th.
PM announces a long list of what's reopening from July 4: Pubs, restaurants (outdoors and indoors), hotels, B+Bs, holiday homes, campsites, libraries, churches, cinemas, bingo halls, theatres and concert halls but not for live performances, outdoor playgrounds, hairdressers…
— Tom Newton Dunn (@tnewtondunn) June 23, 2020
What Restrictions Will Be in Place When Bingo Halls Reopen?
Although details have not been released officially, plans have been put in place over the last few weeks by at least some, if not all, of the bingo club operators in the UK. This prompted some not to ask when will bingo halls reopen but even speculate if bingo halls would open earlier than July 4th.
At Mecca Bingo, staff have been working hard to give customers the highest possible standards of health and safety before the big Mecca Bingo reopen.
Training has been provided on a number of safety measures, including social distancing, use of hand sanitizers, and going contactless wherever and whenever possible.
Earlier today before the Government announcement, a spokesman for Mecca Bingo said: “We are encouraging all customers to use contactless payment wherever possible, but we will still accept cash.
“We will have signage throughout the club to help direct you. and some tables and slot machine may not be in use, but there will be signs to show which ones can be used.
“There will be an enhanced cleaning regime in place with our team cleaning on the go with all touch points such as tables and machines cleaned.
“To ensure social distancing within the club, there may be times when customers are asked to queue outside to respect this and we would recommend that people arrive in good time ahead of their preferred session.”
More Details to Emerge
With News just breaking, we are still awaiting the official confirmation on bingo halls from the UK government and indeed from the bingo hall operators. BingoDaily has reached out for further comments and statements and will update this article when we get a response.
However, for now, the Bingo News we have all been waiting for since March, is that Bingo Halls will reopen on July 4th, just with restrictions as per today's Government guidelines
***UPDATE***
Mecca Bingo Confirms 4th July Reopening
BingoDaily reached out to Mecca Bingo and spokesperson Carol Rhead said told BingoDaily:
“We are delighted with today's announcement and can’t wait to welcome customers back to Mecca Bingo clubs across the country.
Since closing our doors our teams have been working hard to ensure we have the highest standard of health and safety measures in place, enabling our customers and staff to be able to continue to enjoy the Mecca fun they know and love.
As we look to reopening, we will continue to review and follow the Government's guidance and share more news on opening dates. We look forward to seeing our guests very soon.”
BingoDaily shall keep you updated on further events and statements
Can't wait till July 4th? check out our best bingo sites list for the best UK regulated bingo sites.
Ben has been an massive bingo enthusiast and fan since playing at the seaside as a kid. Dedicated to bringing you the latest and best bingo news from the UK
