THE Grovenor Casino in Bolton has been forced to close once more after Greater Manchester was moved into Tier 3 of the Government's coronavirus alert level.

The Ormrod Street had only started getting to grips with adapting to the 10pm curfew, which led to a large portion of its trade being taken away, before tighter covid-19 restrictions were brought in today.

And now the venue has now had to close its doors with no guarantee of when it will reopen.

General manager John Docherty said: "This is the third time we have had to close since March.

"It is a very difficult time for the team and customers.

"I have got 70-odd colleagues and there is a lot of uncertainty for the team about their job security.

"It is worrying times.

"Obviously the most important thing is the virus and we want to protect people from it and comply with the measures.

"However we have had mixed messages from the Government, and on one occasion we were only open for eight hours before we had to close again.

"There has been a lot of confusion."

John reserved praise for the casino owners, the Rank Group, in investing money into making the venue "covid-secure".

And he is baffled how casinos has been forced to shut while pubs and restaurants can stay open under the restrictions if they serve substantial meals.

He also said the casino has offered to revoke its liquor licence to stay open as alcohol sales do not represent a significant amount of the casino's income.

"We have been trying really, really hard to remain positive and find ways to work but this third closure is a real kick in the teeth", John added.

In response, a Government spokesman said: “Our regional approach is designed to reduce transmission whilst minimising the wider impact on the economy.

"Local restrictions are agreed in discussion with local leaders, we work closely with local directors of public health, and take into account a range of factors, including local expertise as well as the levels of infection.

“This is a crucial moment as we tackle coronavirus and the restrictions in place carefully balance local views, public health advice, and the economy.

"We have also brought in winter support schemes to ensure livelihoods and jobs across the UK continue to be protected.”