MECCA RE-OPENING Q&A

Mecca Bingo clubs reopening on 4th July:

Acocks Green / Birkenhead / Blackpool Talbot Road / Bolton Moor Lane / Brierley Hill / Chester / Chesterfield / Dagenham / Eltham Hill / Gateshead / Harlow / Hartlepool / Hayes / Hull Clough Road / Knotty Ash / Leeds Cross Gates Road / Leeds Mayfair / Luton Skimpot Road / Norwich Aylsham Road / Nottingham Beeston / Oldbury / Oldham / Rochdale / Romford / Rosehill / Sheffield Flat Street / Southend / Stevenage / St Helens / Stockton Chandlers Wharf / Sunderland / Thanet-Ramsgate / Wakefield / Wednesbury / Wood Green

When will the remaining Mecca clubs reopen?  

We are planning to reopen our other England based clubs from mid-July onwards and will continue to follow reopening guidance from the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales, for the clubs there.  Please continue to check our website and keep an eye on our social pages for up-to-date information. 

What safety measures will be in place?  

Our teams have developed a robust plan to put in place the highest standards of health and wellbeing measures to ensure the safety of guests and our teams when we reopen.  

Key measures include: 

•  •  Social distancing will be introduced, with clear signage throughout to help guide customers 
•  •  Some tables, chairs and slot machines won’t be in use, with clear signage to help customers know which to use  
•  •  A capacity cap will be in place with Mecca limiting the number of players in the bingo halls at one time 
•  •  Enhanced cleaning routines will be established with members of our teams cleaning as they go and all tables, machines and touchpoints will be cleaned regularly throughout the day 
•  •  Visitors will be asked to clean their hands with hand sanitiser stations readily available around all clubs.

Clubs are going contactless including playing and paying, but you still have the option to use cash. Customers will be able to order food and drink using their mobile or MAX screen at their bingo table.

Will it only be possible to pay with a contactless card now in clubs?  

We are encouraging all customers to use contactless payment wherever possible, but we will still accept cash payments in all clubs.  Customers will also be able to order food and drink using their mobile or MAX screen at their bingo table.

What extra cleaning will be done? 

Enhanced cleaning routines will be established. Our teams cleaning as they go and all tables, machines and touchpoints will be cleaned regularly throughout the day. Customers will be asked to clean their hands, with hand sanitiser stations readily available around all clubs.  

How will you enforce/respect social distancing in clubs? 

To help with social distancing measures, we will have clear signage throughout the club to help direct customers as part of their experience. Some tables, chairs and slot machines won’t be in use, with clear signage displayed to help customers know which to use.  

A capacity cap will also be in place with Mecca limiting the number of players in the bingo halls at one time.  

What will happen if the club has reached capacity? 

In order to ensure we’re adhering to social distancing measures; we will be putting a capacity cap on our clubs. If any of our clubs are at capacity, then unfortunately customers will not be allowed to come inside and will be asked to come back later or on a different day.  However, will be launching a pre booking service in July which will allow customers to secure their space to play and avoid disappointment.  

Can you reserve to play/visit? 

We will be launching a pre booking service in July which will allow customers to secure their space to play and avoid disappointment.  

EYES DOWN, DABBERS AT THE READY, BINGO IS BACK!

26 June - Following the Prime Minister’s announcement, Mecca Bingo is getting its bingo balls rolling again, and announces a phased reopening of its clubs across England from 4 July.

In accordance with the latest Government guidelines, 35 clubs will be welcoming back customers on the 4 July, since temporarily closing their doors due to lockdown restrictions in March. The remaining clubs will follow with a phased reopening from mid-July onwards and Mecca await official guidance from the Scottish and Welsh Government regarding the opening date for the clubs located there.

Jonathon Swaine, Managing Director of Retail at Mecca Bingo, said: “We want to reassure the Mecca Bingo community that we are working together to take every precaution necessary to create a safe environment in which to play the nation’s favourite game. We’re also investing in new entertainment formats in our clubs, to give everyone even better experiences. We are excited to reopen our doors, welcome back our communities and hear ‘House’ called once again.”

To safeguard its players and team Mecca has been working tirelessly to put in place stringent safety standards and cleaning measures across all clubs. Team members have undergone robust and rigorous training so they are ready to reopen the doors to the public and ensure everyone can play safely. Enhanced cleaning routines will be established with team members cleaning as they go and all tables, machines and touchpoints will be cleaned regularly throughout the day. Visitors will be asked to clean their hands with hand sanitiser stations readily available around all clubs.

Social distancing will be in place throughout the clubs, with clear signage to help guide customers. Whilst Mecca venues have space on their side, there will be a capacity cap in place in all clubs to ensure numbers are managed carefully.

Thanks to the advanced technology already in place before lockdown customers can choose to both pay and play using contactless devices but will still have the option to use cash if they prefer. Customers will be able to order food and drink using their mobile or MAX screen at their bingo table. For those keen to make sure they do not miss out on their favourite session of the day, Mecca will be launching a pre-booking service in July, which will allow customers to secure their space to play, pre-order food and drinks and avoid disappointment.

As the nation seeks to get back to having fun following months of lockdown, the country’s leading bingo brand is also broadening its offering, so as well as the much loved traditional game, new bingo sessions will be introduced to ensure everyone can enjoy the fun of Mecca. Opening hours will be extended in the majority of clubs to accommodate the new format ‘Popingo’, which will allow customers to literally pop in and play for an hour, alongside some fun new entertainment including a regular quiz night and great value food and drink offers.

New ‘Mecca Cares’ sessions will be introduced earlier in the day, created for those who may be feeling a little nervous about getting back to normal life, following an extended period of lockdown. Customer numbers will be reduced within these sessions, to ensure all those attending feel completely comfortable in their surroundings, and they can also enjoy a free cup of coffee. But it does not end there, Mecca will soon be announcing a schedule of in-club events taking place throughout the summer and beyond.

These new measures mean customers can get back to playing their favourite bingo game or head to Mecca for a night of great entertainment, with the confidence that they are in safe hands.