EPSB Club Re-Opening Guidance Update

The English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards (EPSB) has today issued updated guidance for its 147 Club Members which will take effect from Wednesday 2 December following the end of current lockdown restrictions from that date.

• EPSB Covid-19 Advice Hub

It was confirmed earlier this week (Monday 23 November) that England will return to three-tiered regional restrictions following the second national lockdown which began on 5 November. These tiers have been strengthened compared to the previous tiers and we have updated our Covid-19 guidance advice to reflect our understanding of the revised tiers.

We are delighted to confirm that snooker clubs in many areas of the country will be able to reopen from Wednesday 2 December in line with the latest government advice and restrictions.

Our full advice in respect of how clubs within each of the three tiers is set out within our document “Covid-19 Local Restriction Tiers – Overview”, however can be summarised as follows:

• Tier 1 – Broadly similar to previous advice. Clubs must continue to follow our Covid-19 Guidance
• Tier 2 – Players can now play someone from one other household
• Tier 3 – Clubs must unfortunately remain closed.  We are continuing to seek clarity from the UK government on this policy

It has also been confirmed there will be more flexibility in respect of closing arrangements for hospitality areas in clubs following a relaxation of the previous 10:00pm curfew. Clubs must now stop taking orders at 10:00pm and close at 11:00pm.  Snooker tables can continue to be used after this time.

We understand that the climate for snooker clubs, particularly those within Tier 3 areas, remains extremely challenging and we will continue to support our clubs to be able to operate safely while pushing for the full reopening of snooker activities as soon as possible.

Those clubs affiliated to the 147 Club will continue to receive direct, up-to-date guidance, share concerns on our 147 Club members Facebook group and have access to the full range of scheme benefits, while we have frozen affiliation fees for two months. Clubs wishing to join the scheme can still do so during this period.

Everyone at the EPSB recognises the huge amount of work and dedication put in by club owners, managers, staff during this pandemic. We are grateful for the collective support of the snooker community, including players who are returning to their clubs, for striving together to re-establish our sport

We will continue to provide further updates and guidance as the situation develops over the coming weeks.