147 Club | Pandemic Guidance on Commercial Leases

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on snooker clubs across the country has been huge.

Feedback from our affiliated clubs has highlighted huge losses in revenue coupled with ongoing costs associated with running substantial facilities; many of these costs cannot be supported by government schemes.

While business rates have been waived for the time being, commercial leases, contracts and energy bills are a major concern while clubs remain closed.

And despite the more positive news of a roadmap out of lockdown, clubs need to find a sustainable route to recovery that encompasses their substantial cost commitments.

Following queries and requests from many of our affiliated clubs, the EPSB has drawn up a bespoke guidance document in association with Clarke Willmott LLP – one of the UK’s leading law firms.

Nicola Seager, an expert in respect of landlord and tenant disputes, has offered vital advice to our 147 Club members.

The document includes guidance on commercial leases, covering the current position for tenants, clubs’ rights, and rent negotiation strategies; it covers how clubs should approach communicating with landlords, as a starting point for these discussions.

There are various protections that the government has implemented to safeguard commercial tenants in response to the pandemic which are referenced in this note. However, many of these protections are temporary and currently due to end in the coming months.

Affiliated clubs have been sent the document directly and we hope that this will support them with their financial concerns.

Non-member clubs can find out more about the national club affiliation scheme here.

To join the 147 Club please request an application form via email to clubs@epsb.co.uk