Paddy Power to reopen English and Irish betting shops
Flutter-owned retail operator to enforce strict social distancing measures and time limits on gambling
Flutter Entertainment will reopen its English Paddy Power retail betting shops on 15 June alongside 150 branches in Ireland following the relaxation of Covid-19 mitigation measures.
The FTSE 100 firm has become the second operator to publish comeback plans following GVC’s decision to reopen more than 80% of its Ladbrokes Coral real estate across England.
Paddy Power shops in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will remain closed in line with government guidelines. All open shops will be subject to continual review to ensure compliance with Covid-19 safety standards.
Under the phased return, the number of customers will be strictly policed, with social distancing used to enforce the current two-metre distance limit.
The operator has also recommended that shop visitors use contactless payment for bets where possible.
“We also encourage you to limit the time spent in our shops, to remain courteous and respectful to Paddy Power staff and to head home and isolate if you start to feel unwell,” said Paddy Power.
The resumption of trading in retail betting shops across England and Ireland coincides with horseracing’s Royal Ascot, which starts next week.
Paddy Power currently has 600 betting shops spread over the UK and Ireland, all of which have been closed since lockdown began in March.