Bacta calls for earlier reopening for gaming centres

The trade association is calling for adult gaming centres (AGC) in England to be allowed to reopen on April 12 at the same time as other non-essential businesses.

UK.- The British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta) has called on the government to bring forward the reopening of adult gaming centres (AGC) in England to allow them to open alongside other non-essential businesses.

The association wants gaming centres to reopen on April 12, while the government’s current roadmap out of lockdown has included them in the subsequent phase of opening along with casinos and other hospitality venues on May 17.

Bacta has already sought to mount a legal challenge against the government for “discrimination” against the gaming sector, noting that AGCs will be the only retail premises on England’s high streets that have to remain closed after April 12.

Read more: Paul Gauselmann writes Boris Johnson about the delay in reopening the AGCs

Bacta reminded authorities that AGCs are an important part of the high street, bringing employment and economic activity to many communities. It warned that hundreds of jobs would be at risk if AGCs cannot reopen on April 12.

Bacta said: “The sector has worked extensively with government to evidence the safety of its premises and their strict adherence to safety measures”.