New wedding reception, beauty salons and tattoo studio rules announced as government eases lockdown restrictions

Casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, and indoor play areas will be allowed to open their doors to customers for the first time since the lockdown was imposed.

The Betting and Gaming Council has welcomed the move for England, but has urged Scotland and Wales to follow suit, claiming many casinos "are on the brink".

Nightclubs, dance halls and sexual entertainment venues will remain closed.

From Saturday August 15 socially distanced audiences will be allowed back into indoor venues, while wedding receptions of up to 30 people will also be permitted.

Wedding receptions for up to 30 guests will be allowed from Saturday, but only in the form of a sit-down meal in a location that adheres to Covid-19 guidelines.

Ceremonies remain capped at no more than 30 people and should be kept "as short as reasonably possible", the Government said.

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