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Smoking ban may shut one in three bingo halls THE number could be up for many bingo halls because of the partial ban on smoking. But you can ALWAYS play online with Mirror Bingo!
Experts said 150 of Britain's 553 clubs could close as customers go elsewhere.
The Bingo Association has been warned a total ban on smoking in bingo halls will be enforced.
But as private-members' clubs are exempt, there are fears players will use them as havens for a drink and a smoke.
Chairman of the Bingo Association Sir Peter Fry said the industry would back a ban in all pubs and clubs but a part-ban would be bad for business.
He told the Mirror: "It is not too late for the Government to re-think. They must choose between saving small, local bingo clubs or seeing large numbers disappear." He added: "Why is the Government being so pathetic? Because it feels tobacco duty is more important?" Last month the Cabinet decided to ban smoking in pubs and clubs which serve food, but exempting private clubs and pubs with no food.
Most ministers wanted a total ban, but former 60-a-day Defence Secretary John Reid refused.
The partial ban was also criticised by Dr Dick Wilson, a public health expert in New Zealand - which banned smoking in restaurants and bars in 2004.
He said yesterday: "A partial ban in public places is seriously inadequate in protecting from second-hand smoke."
Meanwhile, Keep Britain Tidy warned this week the part ban would lead to streets becoming "ashtrays". But public Health Minister Caroline Flint said: "The Health Bill is a huge step forward and will cut smoking-related deaths.
"These proposals reduce the public health risk and allow those who want to smoke with a drink to do so."
The Department of Health said smoking would be banned in casinos, putting bingo halls on a "level playing field" .
BRITAIN'S most controversial police chief has banned smokers from applying for jobs as traffic cops. Richard Brunstrom, head of North Wales police, issued an internal advert for non-smokers. A day earlier, the chief - known for outspoken views on speed cameras and drugs - banned smoking at work. The local Police Federation said it would consult lawyers over the ad.
Source: Go Bingo News
November 16 2005
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