Merlin Entertainments’ LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre and SEA LIFE Manchester is calling on the Government to allow it to reopen at the same time as non-essential retail when the national lockdown ends and it is safe to do so.
Following the end of the second lockdown before Christmas, indoor entertainment centres had to remain closed, despite their multitude of COVID-19 safety precautions.
Meanwhile, non-essential retail (shops, gyms, hairdressers and garden centres) were allowed to open fully including in Tier 3 areas. This is despite retail outlets having hundreds of customers through their doors, with no records kept, and in contrast to Merlin’s attractions where all tickets are pre-purchased, and visitor contact details provided.
As the Government begins its review of the lockdown and starts to formulate its plan to reopen the economy, Merlin Entertainments is calling for indoor entertainment centres to be treated the same as non-essential retail when it comes to the future easing of restrictions, the reduction in VAT for the tourism sector to be maintained at 5 per cent and the current business rates holiday to be extended
Merlin Entertainments fully supports the national plan to combat Covid-19 and only wants to re-open its attractions when it is fully safe to do so.
Among the comprehensive COVID-secure precautions in place at Merlin’s attractions are pre-booking, temperature checks, social distancing and the wearing of masks by guests and team members.
General Manager of legoland and Sea Life in Manchester Craig Seedhouse, said: “We are fully behind the national effort to overcome COVID-19. But as the Government begins the review of lockdown and looks to reopen the economy we are calling for indoor entertainment attractions like LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre and SEA LIFE in Manchester to be treated the same as non-essential retail – and when they are allowed to reopen we should be able to open as well.
“Our guests have always been able to spend quality time and create lasting memories with their loved ones at our attractions and now, more than ever, Merlin has an important role to play in promoting the wellbeing of our visitors in a safe and low-risk environment.
“Our attractions can help promote healthier, happier and more connected communities, whilst addressing many of the most pressing health, social and environmental challenges we will face following the COVID-19 pandemic. We know it will be an invaluable benefit to these communities for us to reopen as soon as it’s safe to do so.
“Our attractions are fully COVID-secure and have a range of safety precautions in place, including pre-booking, temperature checks and social distancing throughout.
“We are also asking the Government to keep the reduction in the VAT rate to 5 per cent and to extend the business rates holiday.
“LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre and SEA LIFE Manchester is a proud member of the local community providing employment and boosting the local economy and we look forward to being able to welcome back our guests as soon as we are able to do so.”
Nationally, the tourism sector employs 3.2m people directly and 1.5m in the supply chain, accounting for 11% of UK employment and 6% of GDP. It is a vital part of the UK’s economy, with revenues bigger than that of the pharmaceuticals, automotive and aeronautics industries combined.
In the UK alone, Merlin employs more than 10,000 people directly. Locally, LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre and SEA LIFE Manchester are proud pillars of the region’s community, providing employment and boosting the local economy. Combined, the attractions employ more than 100 people at peak season.
The attractions also support smaller local businesses such as food and beverage suppliers, travel, transport and hotels; meaning the multiplied effect of prolonged shutdowns on the city’s wider community is substantial.
