CASINOS, skating rinks, bowling alleys, and indoor play areas are allowed to open their doors to customers today for the first time since the lockdown was imposed.

The lockdown restrictions were due to be eased on August 1, but a spike in coronavirus cases at the time resulted in them being paused for two weeks.

Billy Peak, direction of Clacton Pavilion, welcomed the move and was keen to reopen the historic attraction’s bowling alley and the new £140,000 indoor children’s adventure play centre - Swashbuckle’s – which only opened in February.

What are the rules?

  • From Saturday August 15 socially distanced audiences will be allowed back into indoor venues, while wedding receptions of up to 30 people will also be permitted.
  • From Saturday audiences will be able to return to indoor theatre performances and music venues in England, so long as they adhere to social distancing.
  • Under the new Government guidelines, such venues will have to operate at a reduced capacity and limit ticket sales to ensure distancing can be maintained inside.
  • There could also be increased delays between performances as venues will be required to undertake "deep cleans" before the next audience arrives.
  • Those on stage will also have to keep to social distancing rules.
  • The Government said it will resume plans to pilot a small number of sporting events in order to test the safe return of larger crowds.
  • This will begin with the final of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre on Saturday and Sunday.
  • If venues are able to successfully keep fans socially distanced, sports arenas could reopen to supporters from October 1.
  • Wedding receptions for up to 30 guests will be allowed from Saturday, but only in the form of a sit-down meal in a location that adheres to Covid-19 guidelines.
  • Ceremonies remain capped at no more than 30 people and should be kept "as short as reasonably possible", the Government said.
  • Tattoo studios, beauty salons, spas and hairdressers will all be able to offer additional services from Saturday, including front of face treatments such as eyebrow threading.
  • However, workplaces must still remain Covid-19 secure, with regular cleaning and hand washing taking place.
  • Casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, and indoor play areas will be allowed to open their doors to customers for the first time since the lockdown was imposed.
  • Nightclubs, dance halls and sexual entertainment venues will remain closed.