Sheffield Council leader accuses Government of attacking Northern working class culture with restrictions on bingo halls and betting shops

Betting shops, casinos and bingo halls will all have to close as part of the new Tier 3 restrictions which are coming into force across South Yorkshire on Saturday.

Coun Leader Julie Dore said the venues were not high risk while the Betting and Gaming Council said 1,300 employees across the region will be affected.

Coun Dore said: "These are a Northern working class culture - I have had to explain to ministers what goes on in betting shops.

"I can go to a pub serving lunch with my family and sit for a couple of hours but you can't go to a bingo session or nip into a bookies to place a bet.

"It's unfair. We have to stop the spread of the virus but it's balancing that with people's mental and physical health and the economy. A weekly visit to the bingo hall might be the only social contact some people get."

The Betting and Gaming Council said the restrictions were "hugely disappointing".

A spokesman said: "Betting shops and casinos in South Yorkshire - which employ 1,300 people between them - are being forced to close their doors despite a lack of evidence that they contribute to the spread of Covid-19.

“The region’s 200 betting shops pay £24m a year in tax, plus £6m in levy and media rights payments to horseracing, a sport which is already struggling financially due to the ban on spectators.

“Meanwhile, South Yorkshire’s three casinos pay £11.2m to the Treasury every year and, along with those in the rest of the country, have demonstrated to public health officials that they are Covid-secure.

“If the Government does not re-think its decision to order the closure of these venues, it must come up with the necessary economic package to ensure their long-term future.”

Under the Tier 3 restrictions, pubs and bars that do not offer “substantial meals” must close, as will soft play centres.

Gyms are permitted to remain open but they cannot hold exercise classes, and residents are urged to avoid travelling out of the county or to another Tier 3 “high alert” area.

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.