Bingo hit by smoke ban

Published on 27/06/2006 00:44

FIVE bingo halls have closed since Scotland's smoking ban was introduced in March, it emerged yesterday.

Operators have reported that profits have slumped by up to 25 per cent as smokers spend more time outside smoking than inside gaming.

Players are also said to be arriving later and leaving earlier.

Sir Peter Fry, chairman of the Bingo Association, said: "It is clear that many clubs will not survive this difficult transition period, with a resulting closure of many clubs and the loss of jobs and social facilities for many local communities."

Clubs have closed in Denny, Kirkcaldy, Edinburgh, Dunfermline and Paisley.

Vogue Bingo in Lanark is due to close in July.