'Pure tokenism' - anger mounts over lack of scientific basis for closing bookies

Official documents released on Monday night show the government's scientific advisory panel advised the closure of non-essential retail, which includes betting shops, would have a "very minimal impact" on the spread of Covid-19 and risks could be easily mitigated by social distancing and face coverings.

Anger over the unexpected inclusion of bookies in tier-three restrictions for Merseyside continued to mount on Tuesday as Michael Dugher, chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, slammed the decision to close betting shops and casinos as "pure tokenism" by the government.

Bookmakers are seeking legal advice over the decision to shut hundreds of betting shops from Wednesday across the Liverpool City region which has been placed in the highest category of England's new three-tier system of regional restrictions.

When betting shops reopened after lockdown in June they were classed as "non-essential retail", a category which is otherwise set to remain open at all levels of the new system.

In its advice, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said the closure of non-essential retail would have a low impact on Covid transmission and that short duration of visits, the ability to distance and the use of face coverings "are likely to mitigate well".

There is concern that the decision affecting the Liverpool City region will establish a precedent which could lead to betting shops being closed more widely should other regions move into Tier 3, with a huge impact on both the sector and racing's funding through levy and media rights.

Prime minister Boris Johnson said on Monday he had reached an agreement with Liverpool's metro mayor Steve Rotheram under which gyms, betting shops and casinos would close, although Rotheram has countered saying restrictions would have been imposed on them whether local leaders had engaged with them or not.

Although initial reports suggested betting shops would not be automatically closed under tier-three restrictions, they are explicitly mentioned as among the establishments to shut in government legislation published on Monday.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for a two to three-week 'circuit break' lockdown in a bid to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Under Starmer's suggested plan, only essential workplaces would remain open, while it is unclear where that would leave sport.

Michael Dugher: 'No reason' on health grounds why betting shops should shut

Dugher said: "We need urgent clarity including legal advice that attempts to shine a light on what has been a chaotic and shambolic 48 hours affecting the industry.

"The clue is in the name: Betting shops are shops. They were specifically re-opened safely back in June because the government regarded them as part of non-essential high street retail. There is no reason whatsoever on public health grounds that they should be closed anywhere in the country now.

"This smacks of pure tokenism and politics by the government and if this is allowed to continue to other parts of the country then there will be a very clear material negative impact on the funding of racing as well as a threat to employment and revenues to the exchequer."

Betfred have said they will have to temporarily close 81 betting shops as a result of the restrictions.

The bookmaker's chief operating officer Mark Stebbings said: "It's extremely disappointing especially considering that our betting shops have been open in England since June 15 when all non-essential retail reopened and our staff have worked extremely hard to follow all the government guidelines to make our shops Covid-19 secure.

"I have seen no evidence that customers and employees in betting shops are at any greater risk of transmission than any other parts of the retail sector."

Conor McGinn MP: concerned a precedent will be set

Conor McGinn, MP for St Helens North which is one of the affected areas and also vice chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Betting and Gaming Group, voiced concerns that the closure of betting shops would set a dangerous precedent.

He said: "It's clear that there is a worrying rise in the infection and hospitalisation rates, and that intervention is required. I've always said that restrictions need to be evidence-led and accompanied by support for affected businesses and workers. I'm afraid when it comes to the closure of betting shops, and indeed casinos, neither of those has been forthcoming.

"I want to be absolutely clear that the government imposed these closures on Merseyside. My council leader in St Helens and the mayor of the City Region did not agree them and have no power to reverse them."

The BHA on Monday voiced its concern about betting shop closures and will be making sure ministers are aware of their impact on the sport's finances, especially given racing is working with government on potential financial assistance.

McGinn added: "The worry is that this now sets a precedent for other areas that go into Tier 3, where high street bookies are inexplicably shut while other retail remains open. That would have a devastating impact on jobs and of course British horseracing, and I note the BHA's comments in this regard.

"I feel particularly sorry for the staff in my local bookies in Earlestown, and of course my fellow punters for whom it is as much about the social – albeit now socially-distanced – aspect of going to the betting shop."

The BHA said the new protocols did not affect the existing behind-closed-doors guidelines for British racing.

Chief medical adviser, Dr Jerry Hill, added: "We do, however, urge everyone involved in British racing who is taking part in any racing-related activities to check the restrictions in their local area and follow the relevant government advice."

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