source: pixabay.com It's been a long lockdown for Scottish bingo fans. Having seen bingo halls gradually reopen from July 4th in England, for those North of the Border, the wait has been longer and harder.
With the date given for Scottish Bingo halls and casinos earlier this month for 24th August, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed this week that Bingo halls (with physical distancing and following guidance) would indeed be allowed to open from Monday 24th. The easing of lockdown restrictions comes amid a rising infection rate and also the confirmation by the First Minister that Scotland will not be progressing to phase 4 at present.
Buzz Bingo Scottish Clubs Reopening on August 27th
Buzz Bingo has confirmed that the following bingo venues will be open on Thursday the 27th of August:
Aberdeen, Arbroath, Coatbridge, Cumbernauld, Dumfries, Dundee, Falkirk, Glasgow Possilpark, Glenrothes Queensway, Grantham, Hull Astra, Irvine, Meadowbank, Motherwell, Scunthorpe, Sheffield Wadsley and Wakefield.
Bingo goers at Buzz can expect reduced capacity, social distancing markers both in and outside, perspex screens, sanitising stations, and enhanced cleaning. Contactless card payments will be increased up to the value of £45.
Buzz Bingo is also introducing a new game that will see five pence from each sale of a paper book or touchpad package donated to the health service “as a thanks to local NHS workers for their tireless efforts during the pandemic”.
Buzz Bingo chief retail officer Peter Brigden said:
“It’s been a long few months without seeing our lovely customers, and we cannot wait to reopen our doors.
“We want to reassure customers that their health and safety is our number one priority – we’ve spent the last few months eagerly preparing for their return and putting all the necessary measures in place to keep them safe.
“The club is at the heart of the community and offers an open and friendly space for members to be amongst friends; our colleagues have been missing their regular players and are really looking forward to welcoming them and new players.”
Scottish Mecca Bingo Goers' Dabbers at the Ready
For patrons of Scotland's Mecca Bingo venues, it should be dabbers at the ready as in accordance with the latest Scottish Government guidelines and a phased reopening plan, Mecca clubs are welcoming back customers from Monday the 24th of August, since temporarily closing their doors due to lockdown restrictions in March.
Mecca has launched a new pre-booking service, enabling customers to secure their space to play as well as pre-order food and drinks. There will be a capacity cap in place in all clubs and hand sanitiser stations readily available around all clubs.
Patrons can order food and drink using their mobile or MAX screen at their bingo table, whilst choosing pay and play using contactless devices or cash.
Jonathon Swaine, Managing Director of Retail at Mecca Bingo, said:
“We want to reassure the Mecca Bingo community that we are working together to take every precaution necessary to create a safe environment in which to play the nation’s favourite game.
“We’re also investing in new entertainment formats in our clubs, to give everyone even better experiences.
“We are excited to reopen our doors, welcome back our communities and hear ‘House’ called once again.”
Club3000 Bingo Venues Set for August 24th Return
Club3000 which owns and operates six bingo clubs in Scotland, Monday morning on the 24th of August sees doors reopen once again.
Dabbers at the Club3000 chain will need to wear face coverings and can expect new procedures involving hand sanitisers, social distancing, reduced hall capacity, and collection of Test and Protect details.
Club3000 owner Brian Fraser said of its return:
“We are delighted to welcome all of our customers back to our clubs.
“We can’t wait for them to experience again the warm friendly service of all our teams and enjoy the wonderful game of bingo that we have all missed so much.
“It’s been a long wait for our Scottish customers, so we want to thank them for their patience – but it will be worth the wait when they return.”
“We will continue to provide our customers with a first-class bingo experience, and big prize money, whilst adhering to the new guidelines in place, we are excited to welcome everyone back.”
The Long Wait is Over
One thing is for certain, this bit of bingo news will be welcomed by the bingo community in Scotland. The lockdown has seen Scotland as one of the areas strongest in games of street bingo and car park bingo, often raising thousands of pounds in the process.
From all the dabbers in the rest of the UK, we would like to wish bingo fans in Scotland enjoy a safe and rewarding return to the wonderful world of bingo.
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
When is Mecca Wishaw opening
Hey Ann,
It looks like October for that bingo hall