Some 800 Irish betting shops reopened June 15 believing, they complied with the government’s Phase 2 coronavirus national plan. They didn’t, and were ordered closed within 24 hours.
Bookmakers received info from the Irish Bookmakers Association to begin reopening shops on June 8, with the majority doing so in time for the Royal Ascot, according to SBC News.
“We’re very surprised,” said IBA Chair Sharon Byrne. “We’re small retail with low numbers of staff. We have very strict procedures in place. There is definite social distancing. We are absolutely compliant.”
