The reopening of British land-based gaming sector: the detailed plan is already in the hands of the Government

BACTA, the UK's trade association for the amusement and gaming machine industry in the UK has published a report that reveals the needs of the entire industry and calling for the government support for the sector to survive. The main mesures asked are:

• Maintenance of the labor protection regime for the duration of company closings and perhaps beyond for seasonal activities
• 100% rate relief for 2020/2021 including the supply chain in 2022
• Reduced increase in subsidies for businesses with a taxable value of over £ 51,000
• Deferment of indirect tax payments until summer 2021 including PAYE, VAT and MGD
• Local license discounts from local councils and discounts from the Gaming Commission

"In the Pre-COVID-19 period our industry generated revenue of over £ 1.6 billion and contributed £ 2 billion to the UK economy, supporting over 34,000 employees," says John White, CEO of bacta . "We also ask for a further holiday period in late summer / autumn to compensate for what our members have lost during the Easter and Pentecost periods."

Following a discussion with the members of the Bacta, the following measures were proposed to allow responsible operation of the premises:

In family entertainment centers:

• Clear signage that demonstrates and recommends social distancing
• Hand sanitizer supplied to customers
• Rearrange the machines to create greater distance or separation via plexiglass by limiting players on multiplayer machines
•  Entry and exit with staff and limitation of customer numbers
• Counters of coins shielded
• Staff to train and prepare, wear PPE and clean machines more regularly

Adult game centers:

• Provide clear signage on social distancing and hand sanitizer
• Organizing machine configurations to allow social spacing - a challenge with the current 20% constraint on the most popular B3 machines
• Limit players on multiplayer machines and use shielding if necessary to help you keep your distance
• Staff to train and prepare, wear PPE and clean machines more regularly

"The amusement machine industry, in any aspect, wants to help revive the country's economy. Not all companies will be able to overcome the crisis. However, the industry will do everything it can to make sure it does its part in controlling Covid-19's potential threat by changing the way it operates, "adds John White.

“Finally, it is important that decisions on reopening by the government are made as soon as possible. Businesses will need at least two weeks to prepare."

PLANS FOR RE-OPENING