Shops closure a dangerous precedent as racing faces a winter of discontent

The decision of the British government and local authorities in Merseyside to shut bookmakers alongside bars, pubs, gyms and casinos in a bid to contain a growing local outbreak of Covid-19 represents another heavy blow for the betting and racing industries.

Liverpool City region was the only area placed in the highest level of restrictions when prime minister Boris Johnson announced the new three-tier system in parliament on Monday, but with caseloads rising across England it seems only a matter of time before other regions follow.

That does not mean betting shops will automatically close. Although the government's announcement was typically unclear, it appears local politicians in tier-three areas will be empowered to decide whether bookmakers – along with gyms, casinos and hairdressers – should shut in addition to pubs and bars.