Green Light For The 17th. The Government has confirmed machines can be used.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has confirmed that all amusement and gaming machines can be used from the 17th

The government department responded to the UK amusement trade body BACTA's request for clarification stating “I am writing to confirm that there is no coronavirus-related law or government guidance requiring amusement machines in pubs in England to be switched off from Step 3 of the government’s Roadmap (no earlier than 17 May 2021).”

All machines can be provided for use provided that risks are mitigated. We are advising our customers to follow the same advice given following the restriction easing on the 4th July:

Fruit Machines & Quiz Machines

• Machines should be located away from pinch points.

• A stool can be used to provide seating, both satisfying the requirement to remain seated where possible and this will hopefully discourage others from standing at the machines. Players will be facing away from other customers and will be stationary.

Pool Tables

• Customers should be advised and signage should be displayed, instructing players to remain seated until it is their turn to play.

• Pool cues should be retained by the venue (ordinarily behind the bar) with customers given separate cues. A deposit system may be favourable to ensure that cues are returned after use where they can then be cleaned before use by another customer.

Music & Jukeboxes

The government guidance sets out that live music should not take place.

All venues should ensure that steps are taken to avoid people needing to unduly raise their voices to each other. This includes, but is not limited to, refraining from playing music or broadcasts that may encourage shouting, including if played at a volume that makes normal conversation difficult. This is because of the potential increased risk of transmission, particularly from aerosol transmission.

• Music played should be at a low level.

• Staff should be made aware that the jukebox volume levels must not be increased.

• Signage by the jukebox making customers aware that the volume cannot be increased due to the increased risks associated with shouting or raising voices will hopefully minimise customers asking bar staff to increase the music volume.

some local authorities have been saying amusement machines cannot be switched on in pubs from May 17th. This is not true. DCMS clarifies the matter. It refers to our covid secure guidelines on managing machines in pubs agreed with UK Hospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association. These have not changed since last Summer. UK Hospitality has now included a Question and Answer in their official guidance (page 15) that makes it clear that machines can be switched on. Click Here to view the page.