A simulation shooting range where you can fire imitation assault rifles and pistols at targets on a video screen while you enjoy cocktails is set to open in Newcastle.
Point Blank Shooting was due to launch in March 2020, but the coronavirus lockdown coincided with its original opening date.
Now the venue, which has enjoyed success in Manchester and Leeds, is due to open its doors in The Gate, Newcastle city centre, on Thursday August 27.
Obviously, the guns do not fire real amunition and targets are completely virtual, but to the untrained eye, the pistols and assault rifles look close to the real thing.
Customers are welcomed into booths and galleries, which have their own screen targets set up, using a simulator imported from the USA.
Point Blank says it offers "exceptional shooting realism using the most up to date technology" - and nobody gets hurt.
A spokesman for the company said: “We have taken this tech and opened it up to novices and enthusiasts alike, offering lifelike immersive shooting scenarios using advanced laser technology giving unparalleled realism."
Head of business development and events, Kyle Blythe, likened the experience to going clay pigeon shooting. But unlike clay pigeon shooting, visitors can fire away at Point Blank on a night out in the city centre.
“We are aware more than most about the sensitivity about guns in the UK and so far had had zero criticism of our idea," Kyle says.
“We haven’t ever faced criticism because we have been very fastidious to the detail and paid a great deal of attention to the potential sensitivity of the issues that surround guns. Much like clay pigeon shooting or the many target clubs around the UK we are purely focused on skill and ability."
Not only will Point Blank have - in their words - a gun selection "that Tom Clancy himself would be quite envious of", but the bar will be serving cocktails made especially for the venue and American inspired bar snacks, including Buffalo wings, BBQ ribs and nachos, along with vegan options including hot dogs.
Point Blank says it will introduce strict Covid-secure safety measures.
Kyle said: "The venue has facial recognition and temperature check computer on arrival. Staff and guest all register on arrival, the computer reads the biometrics and recognises the team and logs the temperature, turning people away if it is too high.
"The team all have bespoke facemasks, gloves and aprons and there is hand sanitiser and wipes on every table along with a strict, frequent clean on all points in the venue.
"In regard to the bookings, we now have a 15-minute gap between each arrival and bookings are staggered to help enforce social distancing on arrival."
Visit https://newcastle.pointblankshooting.co.uk/ to book.
