According to the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, venues such as bingo halls, indoor cinemas and museums will be permitted to reopen late May. This deadline includes the lifting of outdoor distancing restrictions and new mixing limits for indoor venues. The PM warned this plan will be “cautiously but irreversibly” executed, and new information is being released every day as social distancing restrictions are kept under-review.
For bingo club owners, reopening will hopefully bring a close to almost 14 months of turbulence. But for a successful and lawful reopening, bingo clubs will have to follow government guidelines. These guidelines have been articulated in full within the downloadable document below:
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How to reopen your bingo hall
Bingo hall owners will need to become familiar with these rules and apply them within all venues. Employers are responsible for the control of workplace risks and Covid-19 related social distancing protocol is now public health legislation. The rules will be enforced. Serious breaches and failure to comply with enforcement notices can constitute a criminal offence, with serious fines and even imprisonment for up to two years.
We have provided an overview of the precautions and actions needed to be taken by bingo clubs:
- Face Coverings – All persons within the premises (unless exempt) are required to wear face coverings. This includes both employees and customers.
- Groups of six – Groups permitted include up to 6 from any household or groups of any size from two households.
- One way travel routes – including signage on the walls and floor
- Sanitiser – available upon request and at portable stations around the venue. Casino machines must be sanitised after each use.
- Toilets – Set clear use and cleaning guidance for toilets
- Ventilation – Keep facilities well ventilated, make sure doors can open and close easily where appropriate
- Configure furniture positioning – Gaming machines and seating placements rearranged
- Staff training – ensure all staff know and understand new safety protocol. Furloughed staff should be treated as if new employees with preliminary training due to industry concerns over fatigue.
- Meetings – Bingo blubs must ensure that team members will physically attend meetings only when absolutely necessary and observe social distancing at all times.
- Testing – Bingo clubs can continue to order free rapid lateral flow tests until 30 June 2021.
Venues open this bank holiday should follow guidance and also check their insurance. The best way to ensure you are protected is to use a broker. Brokers are experts in insurance law and safeguarding the finances of a business. The very best brokers will execute risk assessments and work with your business to help you deliver the best experience. For advice and insight on how to stay protected, contact NDML.