Grantham Bowl and Fun Farm owner calls for clarity for leisure industry
A business owner has said that leisure businesses need more clarity after pubs and restaurants reopened over the weekend.
Karen Slator, owner of Fun Farm and Grantham Bowl, was "gutted" when bowling alleys were not on the list of businesses allowed to reopen following lockdown.
Despite not having a concrete reopening date, she says Grantham Bowl is ready to open thanks to extensive safety precautions that have been put in place.
Karen said: "We had hoped, along with most bowling alleys in the UK, that Grantham Bowl would be able to open on July 4 and were fully prepared to do so.
"We were gutted when we found out that bowling alleys specifically were left off the list of eligible businesses.
"We have an amusement arcade, a diner and a bar but are still not allowed to open as we are predominantly a bowling alley.
"Local leisure businesses such as ourselves need more clarity for the sake of our employees and for our customers.
"We have a rigorous plan in place to keep our customers and staff safe."
The plan includes a one-way system throughout the building, hand sanitising stations readily available and staggered start times.
Customers will be encouraged to bring their own appropriate footwear, with alternative lanes to be blocked off to ensure social distancing. The bar will be closed and a limited menu will be available through lane service.
Karen continued: "Like other soft play centres around the UK, Fun Farm Grantham sadly remains closed for the unforeseeable future and we have had no guidance from the government as to when we can safely reopen.
"Grantham Bowl is ready to open as soon as the government will let us and we look forward to seeing all our regular customers!"
