EVERETT, Wash. — At Evergreen Lanes in Everett, bowlers couldn't wait to get the ball rolling again.
For the past five months, with only the restaurant open, business was in the gutter. So, even with restrictions, owner Jason Hoff is excited to finally reopen his lanes.
“It’s doable. We have a start and we’re heading in the right direction versus the wrong direction so we’re happy to be where we’re at,” Hoff said.
On Thursday, Governor Jay Inslee announced that the state was making progress against the virus and eased restrictions that allowed bowling alleys to reopen.
Locked down until Phase 4, bowling alleys worried they wouldn't make it until then. In fact, earlier this month, Glacier Lanes in Everett called it quits after 60 years.
Owners like Hoff and Greg Olsen with the Washington State Bowling Proprietors' Association lobbied the Governor's Office.
“We’re a very seasonal business. Bowling traditionally starts up more when school gets back in session. So the timing of the announcement of the governor was wonderful for our business,” Olsen said.
Under the new guidelines, only bowling alleys in Phase 2 and Phase 3 can reopen. Among the new rules, everyone has to wear a mask. There can only be two bowlers per lane. No spectators are allowed. Bowlers must stay 6 feet away from bowlers in other lanes. You also have to be in a league or interested in practicing for one.
“We’re going to be creating these clubs. And so if you and your family come in, we’re going to give you a membership card for our club, whatever bowling center you may come into and that will give you a chance to come in, whether it’s once a week , once a month and practice during some of these designated time frames,” Olsen explained.
These are changes that, ultimately, Hoff is happy to implement if it means a return to bowling.
“Keeps the public safe and keeps bowling alive in the state of Washington,” Hoff added.
Most bowling alleys will reopen in early September.
Cox Media Group
