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England will embrace tiered restrictions once again starting tomorrow, as the Government won a vote to shift the national lockdown to a regional one. MPs voted for the new raft of measures by 291 votes for and 78 against, despite Labour’s abstention. Most of the country will start out on Tier two or three, “high” and “very high” levels.

Are betting shops open in Tier 2?

The two highest tiers in the new system introduce stricter curbs on socialising, among them closures for non-essential shops.

Essential shops include supermarkets, pharmacies and other locations which provide services people cannot live without.

Betting shops don’t provide essential services, but they can remain open in Tier 2.

In another win for the betting industry, live sports can welcome back some spectators.

Under both Tiers one and two, venues can welcome a portion of their audiences depending on their size.

The guidance states: “Public attendance at spectator sport and business events can resume inside and outside.”

But the attendance is “subject to social contact rules”, and ministers have limited gatherings to whichever is lower out of 50 percent capacity, 4,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors.

Can bookies open in Tier 3?

The same spectating rules do not apply to Tier 3, which prevents any spectating at live sports.

Ministers have allowed bookies to remain open in the highest tier, however.

The exception has received a warm reception from industry leaders.

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Amongst them is the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), which said the move would help with nationwide economic recovery.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, said: “This is great news for our customers in communities across large parts of England and for the thousands of people employed in high street betting shops.

“I know how hard in particular the DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) battled for their sectors and ministers deserve our sincere thanks.

“On top of the stringent anti-Covid measures betting shops already adhere to, our members have agreed to further restrictions to limit any chance of Covid being transmitted in their premises.”

“We now look forward to England coming out of lockdown next week, with betting shops back contributing to the Exchequer and playing their part in helping power the country’s economic recovery.”

Mr Dugher also hailed the decision to allow spectators back into sporting venues.

He added: “It’s also great that limited numbers of spectators will be allowed back to watch live sport in Tiers 1 and 2.

“The ban on crowds has been devastating for sports like horse racing and football, so this sensible step comes at just the right time.”

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