23rd June 2020
Dear Member
COVID-19 UPDATE – STOP PRESS
The Prime Minister has announced this lunchtime that arcades can reopen from 4th July in England. That includes both AGCs and FECs. The announcement is here.
Re-Opening is contingent on following the sector guidance we issued last month and official overarching guidance which will be published shortly. As previously advised you will have to display a notice confirming you are ‘Covid Secure’.
I have no doubt that this very welcome news came as a result of the extensive lobbying we did last week following the AGC knock back ten days ago. Other venues listed alongside us in the legislation are to remain closed. I therefore want to extend my thanks to everyone single member for writing to your MPs etc. It made a real difference.
I would be grateful if you could write to them now to thank them for their help in getting you open.
The PM also said pubs can open in England from 4th, but with table service only and other requirements. We will speak with the pubcos to understand the implications for machine use.
The announcements today were accompanied by a reduction in social distancing guidance from 2 metres to 1 metre plus. This means 2 metres is preferred but if it can’t be achieved 1 metre is acceptable if other risk mitigating measures are employed such as PPE or avoiding face to face contact.
We continue to lobby actively in Scotland and Wales and today secured a call with influential Scottish Tourism Minister, Fergus Ewing later in the week.
As always feel free to give me a ring if you have any questions.
Kind Regards
John
