London’s Hippodrome Casino has asserted that the venue has created “a safe and secure environment for our customers and staff,” after voicing displeasure at another impending closure as heightened restrictions across England loom.
The comments come after news of a month-long lockdown, from Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December, were announced at the weekend, as COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise across the whole of the UK.
The Betting and Gaming Council yesterday urged the government to allow casinos and betting shops to safely re-open when the latest lockdown period ends, so that they can get back to contributing to the economy rather than relying on subsidies.
Simon Thomas, CEO of Hippodrome Casino, said on the closure order: “The great news is that we will be re-opening on Wednesday December 2, after a temporary closure for the national lockdown. The Hippodrome will shut for four weeks at 10pm, Wednesday November 4.
“This is due to the government’s request that all hospitality venues and casinos shut their doors to help stabilise the current pandemic.
“It’s obviously not something we want to do. We firmly believe we have created a safe and secure environment for our customers and staff.
“But close we must, and I sincerely hope you remain safe and healthy for the next few weeks. Please keep and eye on our social media and website for updates and come occasional entertainment.”
The new national restrictions come as the government aims to reduce the day-to-day contact individuals have with other people, which in turn, it is hoped, will curb the spread of infection.
Heightened restrictions include requiring people to stay at home, except for specific purposes; preventing gathering with people you do not live with, except for specific purposes; and closing certain businesses and venues.
The latter includes all non-essential retail, indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, entertainment venues and personal care facilities.
At the end of the four week period, the government says that it will look to return to a regional approach, based on the latest data available at that time.
