BOWLING is rolling back into action in Somerset from the start of next month.

Hollywood Bowl, which runs venues in Taunton and Yeovil, will re-open to the public on July 4, it has been announced.

However, in accordance with the current Government guidelines, the experience will be a bit different to acommodate social distancing.

The firm says it has been working hard to put stringent safety and cleaning measures and guidance in place at its centres to welcome back its customers and team members.

New measures include:

  • alternate lanes to enable social distancing
  • enhanced cleaning after each bowling game
  • tables and gaming machines spaced to allow distancing
  • reduced capacity at venues
  • customers wearing their own shoes during games

Stephen Burns, chief executive at Hollywood Bowl Group, said: “The health and safety of our customers and team remains our priority. Whether it’s to bowl, enjoy the amusement areas, have a bite to eat or something to drink, we want to assure our customers that we are doing everything we can to create a safe and fun experience for families to return to.

"We look forward to welcoming them back through our doors very soon.”

The re-opening of centres in England will see the introduction of enhanced cleaning and social distancing measures, with customer guidance throughout the centres also in place.

Each centre will reduce the number of lanes in play by only using alternate lanes to provide extra space between each game taking place.

Amusement machines, as well as bar and diner seating, will be appropriately spaced out and signage will be visible throughout the venue to remind customers to maintain a safe distance from others.

There will be reduced customer capacity at centres to ensure that social distancing measures can be adhered to, and groups will be restricted a maximum of six people with bowlers asked to arrive slightly ahead of their booking time. Customers may also be required to queue when entering the centre and checking in for their games, ensuring they keep a safe distance from others.

Customers will also be given the option of wearing disposable gloves while aiming for a strike and playing on the amusement areas and will be asked to wear their own footwear while bowling.

Upon entering the centre, customers will be expected to use hand sanitiser, which will be readily available at dispensers. Enhanced cleaning will take place throughout the day, including the cleaning of bowling balls, lane seating and touch screens in between games.

Hollywood Bowl will continue to accept cash and is encouraging customers to use contactless payment where possible. There will be safety shields at all tills to protect both team members and customers.

Food and drink can be pre-ordered from the in-centre diners and bars, with cutlery and sauces provided to guests with their meal.

In addition, all team members will undergo daily temperature checks and will be wearing PPE to ensure their own safety and that of customers.

Customers are now able to make bookings for centres in England via the Hollywood Bowl website, with bowling slots being available from July 4.

Should Government guidelines change and centres in England not be able to reopen as planned, full refunds on all bookings will be available.