The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Centre yesterday said it has only been partially allowed to re-open with the Government's COIVID-19 protocols mandating that key revenue areas remain closed.

Leslia Brice, the facility's general manager, told Tribune Business: “The arcade has not been allowed to open, and we have only been allowed to have some people on the lanes.”

The arcade contributes a lot to Mario’s overall revenue stream. We were prepared to put in all the protocols by ensuring that just a minimal amount of kids were in that area at a time. We've already had two teams of our COVID members in there, just to frequently wipe off the game once the kids are done. But we haven't gotten approval for that area as yet.

"We’ve had a lot of support from the public and we’re grateful. We've had a lot of families coming in. I think everybody just needed a different atmosphere for them to relax and unwind. So customers are definitely excited that we're open and we're grateful to have them.”

Ms Brice said Mario's has been lobbying the Government to further loosened COVID-19 restrictions given that half its business remains closed, but remains compliant with whatever measures are ordered.

The PLP's Sea Breeze constituency candidate said: “I have sent a letter back to the Ministry of Health, hoping that they grant approval, but I will definitely follow-up on that because it [the arcade] is a major stream of revenue for us.

"Our employees are very happy to be back to work and now able to, you know, at least have some relief with the burden that they had on them with no income at all.”