146 jobs lost as Rileys is snookered

Pool and snooker clubs firm Rileys is to close 25 venues with the loss of 146 jobs after slumping into administration.

However, a “pre-pack” deal will see private investors take on the remaining 625 staff and 78 clubs – including sites in Aberdeen, Coatbridge, Dunfermline and Edinburgh.

It is the second time the Milton Keynes-based business has gone into administration in recent years. In 2009, 198 staff lost their jobs when the company called in administrators after suffering from large debts and a downturn in trade.

Chief executive Maurice Kelly said Rileys had suffered trading difficulties as the double-dip recession put pressure on consumer spending. He added: “There have also been on-going issues with the smoking ban and changes to the Gambling Act, which disadvantaged commercial snooker clubs.”