Scarborough attraction calls on Government to support leisure sector
SEA LIFE Scarborough is wanting to be allowed to fully re-open when non-essential retail does, maintain the 5% VAT reduction, and keep the extension of current business rates holiday
There is a call from a Scarborough attraction to be allowed to fully re-open when non-essential retail does when the national lockdown ends and it is safe to do so.
Merlin Entertainments, who own the SEA LIFE Centre, is wanting the Government to support the leisure industry.
It is also asking for current business rates holiday to be extended and for the 5% VAT reduction for the tourism sector to remain.
Andy Turner, General Manager of Scarborough SEA LIFE and Marine Sanctuary, 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 our own 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.
“We are a proud member of the local community providing employment and boosting the local economy. We also have strong links with local colleges and universities, providing on the job learning for academics and helping to facilitate valuable research studies.
“We look forward to being able to welcome back our guests as soon as we are able to do so.”
Merlin Entertainments says Scarborough SEA LIFE and Marine Sanctuary supports approximately 30 jobs and welcomes more than 200,000 visits each year. It adds that it has strong links with local colleges and universities, providing on the job learning for academics and helping to facilitate valuable research studies.
It says it also rescues, rehabilitates and releases between 20 and 30 seals each year, working closely with the RSPCA and the Marine Divers Association.