The feel-good sound of bowling balls crashing through a set of pins to shouts of ‘Strike!’ will soon return to towns and cities across England, after Hollywood Bowl today announced it is planning to re-open its centres from 4th July.
In accordance with the current Government guidelines, 54 centres across the country will welcome back friends and family to enjoy the fun and excitement of ten pin bowling for the first time since Hollywood Bowl temporarily closed its centres across the UK due to lockdown restrictions in March.
Whilst centres in Scotland and Wales are likely to remain temporarily closed until later in July, Hollywood Bowl has been working hard to put stringent safety and cleaning measures and guidance in place at its centres to welcome back its customers and team members for its unique all-round family fun experience.
Stephen Burns, Chief Executive at Hollywood Bowl Group said: “The health and safety of our customers and team remains our priority. Whether it’s to bowl, enjoy the amusement areas, have a bite to eat or something to drink, we want to assure our customers that we are doing everything we can to create a safe and fun experience for families to return to. We look forward to welcoming them back through our doors very soon.”
The re-opening of centres in England will see the introduction of enhanced cleaning and social distancing measures, with customer guidance throughout the centres also in place. Each centre will reduce the number of lanes in play by only using alternate lanes to provide extra space between each game taking place. Amusement machines, as well as bar and diner seating, will be appropriately spaced out and signage will be visible throughout the venue to remind customers to maintain a safe distance from others.
There will be reduced customer capacity at centres to ensure that social distancing measures can be adhered to, and groups will be restricted a maximum of six people with bowlers asked to arrive slightly ahead of their booking time. Customers may also be required to queue when entering the centre and checking in for their games, ensuring they keep a safe distance from others.
Customers will also be given the option of wearing disposable gloves whilst aiming for a strike and playing on the amusement areas and will be asked to wear their own footwear whilst bowling.
Upon entering the centre, customers will be expected to use hand sanitiser, which will be readily available at dispensers. Enhanced cleaning will take place throughout the day, including the cleaning of bowling balls, lane seating and touch screens in between games.
Hollywood Bowl will continue to accept cash and is encouraging customers to use contactless payment where possible. There will be safety shields at all tills to protect both team members and customers.
Food and drink can be pre-ordered from the in-centre diners and bars, with cutlery and sauces provided to guests with their meal.
In addition, all team members will undergo daily temperature checks and will be wearing PPE to ensure their own safety and that of customers.
Customers are now able to make bookings for centres in England via the Hollywood Bowl website, with bowling slots being available from 4th July. Should Government guidelines change and centres in England not be able to reopen as planned, full refunds on all bookings will be available.
