Beauty salons, casinos and bowling alleys: What rules are changing on Saturday?

On Saturday 15 August the lockdown rules in England are changing once again as more easing is permitted across certain industries.

These measures were meant to be introduced from 1 August but 24 hours before, in a press conference at Downing Street, Mr Johnson said he was “squeezing the brakes” on the plans.

This was because of a rise in Covid-19 cases and a concern that the much-discussed “second wave” was being seen in European countries.

Now, two weeks later, the plans are back in motion again. Albeit announced alongside stricter fines for people hosting raves or unlawful gatherings of more than 30 people, and higher fines for people repeatedly flouting face covering rules – the maximum penalty is now £3,200.

The government also recently confirmed that all staff offering close contact services, including hairdressers, should now wear a face mask (type 2 surgical), in addition to a clear visor.

So what can people expect from Saturday? What is permitted in England from 15 August?

Wedding receptions

Wedding receptions for up to 30 guests are allowed from Saturday, but only in the form of a sit-down meal in a location that adheres to Covid-19 guidelines.

Ceremonies remain capped at no more than 30 people and should be kept “as short as reasonably possible”, says the government.

Beauty salons

Tattoo studios, beauty salons, spas and hairdressers are able to offer additional services from Saturday, including front of face treatments such as eyebrow threading.

Other treatments that are now allowed include facials, eyelash tinting, makeup application, dermarolling and microblading. To summarise: the new rule means that all close-contact treatments can now be done.

When salons reopened last month they were only allowed to offer manicures, pedicures, massages, body waxes and male beard trims – a move which was deemed sexist as it requires staff working face-to-face with customers.

However, the government has repeated that workplaces must still remain Covid-19 secure, with regular cleaning and hand washing taking place.

Indoor theatre

Audiences are able to return to indoor theatre performances and music venues in England, so long as they adhere to social distancing – this will include venues operating a reduced capacity and limiting ticket sales.

There could also be increased delays between performances as venues will be required to undertake “deep cleans” between seatings. Actors on stage will also have to social distance.

Sports venues

The Government said it will resume plans to pilot a small number of sporting events in order to test the safe return of larger crowds.

This will begin with the final of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre over the weekend.

If venues are able to successfully keep fans socially distanced at the trial events, sports arenas could reopen to supporters from October 1, says the government.

Other places

Casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, and indoor play areas are allowed to open their doors to customers for the first time since the lockdown was imposed.

Nightclubs, dance halls and sexual entertainment venues remain closed.

Business events and conferences will be permitted to resume from 1 October provided rates of infection remain at current levels.

Although continued local lockdowns might make some locations exempt from easing rules as they happen.