Leisure and arts venues allowed to reopen as lockdown restrictions ease

Leisure and arts venues across the country have been told that they can reopen their doors from tomorrow as lockdown restrictions ease further.

The government has announced that indoor play areas, bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos will be allowed to resume business from this weekend (August 15).

It also also announced that indoor theatres, music and performance venues will be able to reopen with socially distanced audiences.

Beauty establishments such as salons and tattoo studios are also allowed to resume “close contact” services, such as eyebrow threading and facials.

Pilots for socially distanced sporting events will recommence, with an aim to reopen venues from October 1.

Oliver Dowden, Culture Secretary, commented: “The nation’s hard work to keep the virus under control means we can now make further careful progress on recovery with allowing audiences back for indoor performances, fans back at sports events and the reopening of more Covid-19 secure leisure businesses.

“We must all continue to stay alert but today’s welcome news means these organisations can finally get going safely, and we can enjoy more of the things we love as a nation.

“I have no doubt that they will work incredibly hard to keep their fans, patrons, and customers safe.”

Alok Sharma, Business Secretary, added: “From Saturday, salons, spas and other close contact services across England will once again be able to offer all services in a way that is safe for workers and clients.

“I am pleased to give these often small, independent businesses a much-needed boost as we progress with our plan to kickstart the economy to protect jobs and incomes.

“Opening up the economy is conditional on our continued success at controlling the spread of coronavirus. Therefore it remains essential businesses comply with Covid-19 secure measures to protect workers and the public.”