Irish betting shops to close for four weeks as tougher restrictions announced

Taoiseach Micheal Martin on Wednesday announced the closure of non-essential retail, including betting shops, for a month from January 1 as part of tougher Level 5 restrictions in Ireland.

He was speaking following an emergency cabinet meeting to address the increase in Covid-19 cases over Christmas, with the daily total climbing to 1,718 on Wednesday.

The news comes as yet another blow to the gambling industry, which has endured a tumultuous time with closures throughout 2020.

In the original Living with Covid guidelines, non-essential retail shops were permitted to remain open, but the framework stated they would be shut under Level 5.

Since December 24, a less stringent version of Level 5 has been applied, with government tailoring the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to keep small businesses open.

That meant a reprieve for betting shops, but the escalating situation has compelled the government to accept the stricter NPHET recommendations. With shops in England also closed, the latest shutdown will further hit racecourses' media rights revenue stream.

Racing and other elite sports that have been approved with strict coronavirus protocols will continue behind closed doors.

The reopening of schools has been delayed until January 11 and people have been advised to stay at home unless travelling for work, education or other essential purposes. Travel for exercise within five kilometres of your home is permitted under the new restrictions.

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