Norfolk and Waveney’s remaining leisure centres including bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos can reopen from August 1, the government has said.
In today’s briefing, Boris Johnson gave the green light for those leisure facilities to reopen.
The prime minister also gave the go-ahead to beauticians offering “close contact” services to resume. After seeking some clarification, the new rule was said to apply to all facial treatments. Charlotte Croft, who runs Glambox beauty salon, lash and brow bar in Norwich, was overjoyed after getting confirmation that services such as lash extensions can take place from next month.
She said: “Online booking is going crazy. It’s actually happening, finally we have a date and we are super excited. It’s been four months too long.”
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But nightclubs and soft play areas have to remain closed for now, said the prime minister, although he added this would “be kept under review”.
Robert Bradley, centre manager at Castle Quarter in Norwich, where Superbowl UK has a new bowling alley, said: “Superbowl UK has been a hugely popular attraction at the centre, and we look forward to welcoming customers back.
“The leisure sector is a very important and expanding part of Castle Quarter and we’re excited to see the reopenings getting underway after all this time. The whole centre will be operating in line with government guidelines so people will be able to visit us safely and with confidence.”
George Smith, marketing and events executive at Superbowl UK said: “We’re really excited to be opening again at Castle Quarter. Superbowl UK has been working hard over the past few weeks to ensure that everything is safe for everyone’s return. We can’t wait to welcome all our customers back.”
The prime minister also said indoor performances to a live audience can restart, subject to the success of pilot schemes and the government would trial larger gatherings in venues like sports stadia, with a view to “wider reopening in the autumn”.
The news will come as a relief to other firms such as Hollywood Bowl which has been lobbying parliament to let it reopen.
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