Irish Bookmakers Shut Their Doors Again to Wait for Further Government Guidelines

Irish bookmakers have closed their doors once again and waiting for further guidance for reopening from the government.

Bookies opened their doors on June 15 after months in lockdown due to the coronavirus. However, they have closed their door once again due to the specification that bookies should not reopen until June 29.

The companies say they are waiting for the go ahead from the government before they reopen again.

A Ladbrokes spokesperson said: “I can confirm that we have not opened our Ladbrokes shops in Republic of Ireland today whilst we seek clarity from the Government on the recently updated guidance.”

A Paddy Power spokesperson said: “Paddy Power shops opened yesterday, in line with other bookies in Ireland, following the Government guidelines on re-opening of retail outlets.

“All our shops have detailed operational protocols in place in all shops to ensure that social distancing and other public health requirements are met in full in the interests of colleagues and customers.

“During yesterday, we became aware of a Government specification that bookies should open on June 29th.

“Hence, we took the decision to close our shops from this morning until we have the green light to go ahead.”