Jade Monkey Casino prepared for new normal

The management of Jade Monkey Bar and Casino,  in Crown Point, Tobago, is hopeful the Prime Minister will lift restrictions on the two industries on Saturday. Public health regulations to prevent the spread of covid19 have forced the closure of casinos, while bars are not allowed to serve customers on the premises.

On Wednesday, Jade Monkey Casino marketing manager Nickeisha Nottingham told Newsday the establishment is ready to operate within covid19 guidelines to protect its workers and customers.

Dr Rowley is expected to give an update on the reopening of the economy and possible lifting of restrictions.

In a phone interview on Wednesday, Nottingham told Newsday the casino is ready to open for business as it has used the downtime to prepare for the new normal. She said, “We have Plexi(glass) between each machine so that there would be spacing between each customer. Where we couldn’t put Plexi, we spaced out the machines. We also put Plexi screen by the cashier, bar and the reception desk.”

She said customers will also be screened and washing hands and wearing masks will be mandatory on entering the building.

“We also have masks on sale; in the event the customers don’t have a mask, we will sell one to them. We will do all we can to ensure all staff and customers are following our covid19 safety policy.”

She said in and around the casino will also be sanitised every 30 minutes, and instead of serving customers in glassware, disposable plates, cups and utensils will be used.

“We have been ready before the restrictions were imposed the second time. The Prime Minister gave a list of guidelines we had to follow to open.”

When asked if the casino anticipates issues with intoxicated customers breaking covid19 regulations, she said it had also made preparations to manage this.

“We monitor our customers' consumption of alcohol. If we see a customer looking like they had too much we will cut them off. We now serve drinks every 45 minutes, so it won’t be like they will be constantly drinking all the time.

“Because we are private sector, we closely monitor who is following the guidelines and who is not, and we have the authority to put out anyone who may be risking the health and safety of staff and customers.

"And we are prepared to do so. It’s safer here than in a pharmacy or a grocery because we will be very strict, so I believe we are very prepared.”

Nottingham said the Jade Monkey Bar and Grill will also operate under similar precautions.