Dabbers at the ready: Buzz Bingo clubs in Castleford and Wakefield prepare to reopen

Extensive health and safety measures include new maximum capacity, Perspex screens and floor markers to enable social distancing and offer comford for customers and staff.

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 five pence from the sale of every paper book or electronic touchpad package donated to the NHS.

Buzz Bingo in Castleford will reopen on August 20 and Wakefield the following week - on August 27.

Safety measures that will be in place:

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. 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!”

Customers will also be able to take advantage of the government’s Eat Out To Help Out scheme, offering up to £10 off food and non-alcoholic drinks per person until Monday, August 31 2020. The offer will be automatically applied in any Buzz Bingo club that's open on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday - opening days and times vary across the nation.