Smoking Ban Update

 

A few weeks ago we talked about the upcoming smoking ban due to hit the UK on the 1st July 2007.  It has been suggested that the ban will have a negative effect on land based bingo halls resulting in more people playing the online bingo game.  The bingo halls are already preparing for the ban and are taking measures to keep their members happy and playing bingo.

 

The bingo halls are considering a new way of playing bingo - outside bingo!  The problem that bingo halls face is that if members light up inside the bingo hall will be given a large fine. If they play outside then the new smoking rules do not count.  The bingo halls are discussing ways which allow their members to play bingo whilst having a smoke outside. One method that is being considered is hand held units that will allow players to continue their bingo game outside. Whether this will actually come in to effect only time will tell. One thing that is certain is land based bingo is going to have to make some drastic changes to keep their players in the halls.

 

The local gala bingo in weston-super-mare have recently installed smoking shelters outside their building in preparation for the ban.  KE Entertainments manager commented in recent statement "Within a four week period of the ban being introduced it was apparent that the business would in fact be devastated and extreme measures would need to be taken to lessen the impact."  So it is clear the land based bingo industry will have to adapt to accomodate the ban.