Buzz Bingo, Tong Street, to reopen on August 13

Bradford Tong, in Tong Street was closed in March following Government guidance and will be reopening in the first wave of the business’ plan for a safe and responsible phased reopening across the estate.

Buzz Bingo, the UK’s largest retail Bingo operator, announced that it will be reopening its clubs in a phased approach during August, allowing more time to ensure they have fully implemented enhanced safety measures to help keep customers and colleagues safe.

Twelve clubs will open on August 6 with another 37 opening on August 13, with 36 more to open on August 20, with the full estate all open by August 27, when the final six open their doors.

As a thanks to local NHS workers for their tireless efforts during the pandemic, Buzz Bingo is also introducing a new feature in its Main Event games.

NHS Lucky Stars will form part of the regular games and see 5p from the sale of every paper book or electronic touchpad package donated to the NHS.

Measures at the West Yorkshire clubs, which will be rolled out across all clubs, include –

• Introducing a new maximum capacity to allow for social distancing

• All clubs will now have markers on the floor, both inside and outside, to keep customers safe while queueing

• Perspex screens have been installed at the reception, bar and bingo sales, as well as between machines and fixed gaming terminals so that players and colleagues are able to maintain social distancing

• Some seats will be marked as ‘out of use’ to keep players safely distanced – there will be ‘group’ and individual seating areas to allow families and ‘one household’ to play together

• All colleagues across the clubs will be in line with COVID Secure risk assessments and a new and more frequent cleaning rota will be in place

• Sanitising stations will be available around clubs to keep hands clean before touching bingo equipment or machines which players will be encouraged to make use of

• Contactless card payments will be increased up to the value of £45

• There will be a number of changes to the menu and the way food is served to ensure kitchen staff are able to work socially distanced

• Continued personal support for all customers – extending the Buzz Buddies support offered in lockdown for elderly and vulnerable customers

Peter Brigden, Chief Retail Officer at Buzz Bingo, said: “It has been a long few months without seeing our lovely customers and we cannot wait to reopen our club doors this August.

"The clubs are at the heart of the community and offers an open and friendly space for members to be amongst friends while they enjoy a game of bingo or play slots.

“We want to reassure customers that their health and safety is our number one priority.

“We’ve spent the last few months eagerly preparing for their return and putting all the necessary measures in place to keep them safe.

"Our colleagues have been missing their regular players and are really looking forward to welcoming them back – as well as new players who might want to try something new.”

Buzz Bingo also offers an extensive range of online bingo, slots and games every day at buzzbingo.com