Bingo halls rise to smoking ban challenges

The smoking ban is fast approaching and it is likely to have a big impact on bingo halls around the UK.

Many experts are predicting a downturn in the number of people visiting the country's halls but the managers of these sites are not going to sit back and do nothing.

A number are gearing up for the ban on July 1st by erecting shelters outside so that players can pop out for a quick cigarette without getting soaked.

In addition, many halls are installing TVs in the shelters so that those who smoke can keep up with the game.

"We are putting up shelters outside both clubs and we will be putting plasma screens in them," Gary Vernall from Mecca Bingo's All Saints Green Hall in Norwich told the Norwich Evening News. "Hopefully we should be going live from July 1."

A number of other Mecca Bingo halls around the UK are also installing public announcement systems in the shelters so that people can play while they smoke.

This system is not going to be introduced in Norwich but plans are in place for something similar.

"We are looking into a system where people can take consoles and play anywhere on licensed premises," added Mr Vernall.

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