(Alliance News) - Hollywood Bowl Group PLC on Friday said it is "delighted" to be opening 49 of its 55 English bowling centres on Saturday.
Shares in the ten-pin bowling operator closed 16% higher in London on Friday at 162.50 pence each.
The reopening of bowling sites in England was delayed two weeks ago as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned the country "cannot be complacent" amid a rise in the prevalence of coronavirus cases.
But bowling alleys and casinos are on the list of UK businesses that will be allowed to welcome customers back for the first time on Saturday after months of lockdown.
"The group is confident that it has implemented the necessary measures to provide a safe and enjoyable leisure experience for its team and customers, including comprehensive Covid-secure operating bowling protocols, social distancing guidelines and enhanced safety and cleaning measures," Hollywood said.
Chief Executive Stephen Burns added: "We are delighted to be able to reopen most of our English centres on Saturday 15 August. Our spacious centres are well-equipped for social distancing and our team members are trained in our new extensive Covid-secure measures.
"We look forward to welcoming back our team members and customers, who will be able to enjoy our unique leisure experience once again, while feeling reassured that we have taken every possible precaution for their safety and wellbeing."
Hollywood also noted it has opened a second Puttstars mini golf centre in Rochdale, joining the centre in Leeds.
It expects to also open its new Hollywood Bowl centre and new Puttstars centre in York on Monday, taking the total portfolio to 64 centres. Including these new centres, Hollywood will have 86% of its total centres open.
By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com
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