Delay to reopening of English centres

Hollywood Bowl Group plc

("Hollywood Bowl" or the "Group")

Delay to reopening of English centres

Following the Government update on 31 July 2020, and in line with the updated Government guidance, Hollywood Bowl will not be reopening its centres in England on 1 August 2020, as previously expected.

The Group remains prepared to reopen once Government restrictions are lifted, now expected to be in line with an indicated date of 15 August 2020. Team members have been trained in the Group's extensive COVID-secure measures and hygiene protocols to ensure customers can stay socially distanced while keeping safe and enjoying bowling at its centres.

The Group expects to open its two centres in Wales on 3 August 2020, following the latest guidance from the Welsh Government.

Stephen Burns, Chief Executive, commented:

"We are disappointed at this unexpected delay to reopening. Our priority is first and foremost the safety of our customers and team members, and we are confident in our ability to operate in the approved COVID-secure way for their wellbeing once we are allowed to reopen."

Enquiries:

Notes to Editors:

The COVID-secure measures include but are not limited to:

·       Reduced customer capacity at centres to maintain social distancing

·       Alternate lanes to provide extra space between each game taking place

·       Pre-booking only for peak periods

·       Bowlers asked to arrive slightly ahead of their booking time with measures to manage queues

·       Bowling groups restricted to a maximum of six people per lane

·       Food and drink can be pre-ordered from the in-centre diners and bars

·       Amusement machines, as well as bar and diner seating, appropriately spaced out

·       A new visual guidance campaign "Have Fun - Play Safe" throughout venues to remind customers to maintain a safe distance from others

·       Customers will be asked to wear their own footwear

·       Customers will be given the option of wearing disposable gloves

·       Enhanced cleaning will take place throughout the day, including the cleaning of bowling balls, lane seating and touch screens after every game

·       All team members will undergo daily temperature checks

·       Safety shields at all tills to protect both team members and customers

·       Upon entering the centre, customers will be expected to use hand sanitiser, which will be readily available from dispensers

More information on these can be seen on Hollywood Bowl's website: www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/have-fun-play-safe  

Hollywood Bowl Group is the UK's largest ten-pin bowling operator, with a high-quality portfolio of 61 centres operating across the UK under the Hollywood Bowl, AMF and Puttstars (mini golf) brands. The Group specialises in operating large, high quality bowling centres, predominantly located in out of town multi-use leisure parks (typically co-located with cinema and casual dining sites) and large retail parks. The centres are designed to offer a complete family entertainment experience with each centre offering bowling lanes, on-site dining, licensed bars, and state-of-the-art family games arcades.