Boss fears for future of soft play business

Crazee Bongos in Sleaford Enterprise Park, one of the only businesses not yet allowed to reopen under Government covid19 guidelines. EMN-200720-171927001

From August 1, the Government will allow most leisure settings to reopen, including bowling, skating and casinos, and allow beauticians to resume, but nightclubs and soft play areas must remain shut.

Kate Mason, of Crazee Bongos soft play centre, is “extremely concerned” for the future of her business.

She said: “We have had protocols ready to open for some time including all safety measures like daily fogging of equipment using an anti-viral cleaner that coats equipment for up to 30 days, cleaning in between sessions, pre-booked sessions for family groups and capacity management.

“We employ 20 staff who are currently furloughed, but with ongoing running costs, we are hanging on with no idea when we are going to be given the go ahead from the Government.”

Soft play industry body BALPPA suggest that 64 per cent of their members will be closed for good by October unless they get more help.

Kate said: “I have received a grant which I am extremely grateful for, but it doesn’t last long when there is no income at all and there are still bills to pay.

“Nearly all other businesses to receive the same grant are now open and trading again.

“How is any business supposed to make decisions on the future with no information and roadmap on when to open? So many similar indoor kids play businesses have been given the go ahead to open such as trampolining, role play, laser - it is difficult to understand the rationale.”

While her first thoughts were always about safety, she warned the sector will need further support if closed for longer.

“It would be heartbreaking if, sadly, it may be a sector that completely ceases to exist,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Government has offered a temporary 15 per cent cut in VAT until January for the hospitality and leisure industry to kick start business on top of paying for a 50 per cent discount on meals during August, but some firms are having to shy away from handing over all the cut, to recoup losses.

The Agra restaurant has launched a summer of special meal discounts instead. Leeneth Karim from the restaurant said: “Even though we have had a busy run over lockdown, costs have gone up. Safety gear, training, extra staff and a reduction of capacity of 60 per cent of seating. And dining in is at a slow pace.”

He added: “After spending months of saying stay at home, now we have to try and change the mentality saying please come out.”