Bookmakers in Ireland have started to shut up shop once again as confusion continues to abound over whether they are permitted to trade before June 29.
While some had already opened back up, apparently in accordance with phase two of the national plan, a public health statutory instrument has since dictated to the 800-plus betting shops that they cannot yet trade.
Paddy Power and Ladbrokes have both closed once again, while some others have kept their doors open. The Irish Bookmakers Association is attempting to gain clarification on the rules from the Irish government.
The IBA had earlier confirmed that in line with the government advice, its members could begin to reopen from Monday, June 8.
However, chair Sharon Byrne told the Irish Times that the statutory instrument made special mention of betting shops.
“The government published a statutory instrument last week,” she said. “It only became available to us on Monday. That lists the sectors that are not included in non-essential retail for the purposes of the acceleration of openings.
“It listed licensed betting shops in it. It simply states licensed bookmakers as per the 1931 betting act, section 27.
“This is different to what we understood was the accelerated programme and our shops had opened on June 8.”
The news arrives as a particular blow coming as it does in the middle of the Royal Ascot racing festival.