Relief for Scottish bookies as Government lifts restrictions
Betting shops in Scotland will see their doors open without extraneous restrictions from 22 July after an agreement was reached by the Government to revoke orders previously established by the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP).
Although Scottish betting shops were legally allowed to reopen from 29 June, last-minute orders by the SNP forced shops to remove in-store seating, as well as turn-off machines and all live sports broadcasts, a decision that cost betting shops 95% in profits, according to the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).
The BGC praised the government’s new stance, having warned that the future of 900 betting shops and 4,500 staff was in jeopardy should the previous restrictive measures stay in place.
“This is great news for Scotland’s betting shops and the hardworking staff they employ,” said BGC chief executive Michael Dugher. “We have always said that the extra restrictions imposed on Scottish betting shops were unnecessary. We are delighted that the Scottish government has listened and responded.”
After the SNP announced their orders, the BGC launched an immediate campaign demanding that they be overturned, arguing that the SNP directly put at risk the jobs of the Scottish betting workforce.
While betting shops will return to a sense of operating normalcy toward the end of the month, book keepers will still have to follow strict anti-COVID measures such as hand sanitising, screens and social distancing rules.
“Betting shops in Scotland can now look forward to playing their part in helping to kickstart the economy, supporting Scottish racing and providing a safe environment for customers who enjoy a flutter,” added Dugher.
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