Bingo smokers going outside

Punters at Black Country bingo halls could soon be playing the game outside when the smoking ban is introduced.

Mecca Bingo bosses are applying to build smoking shelters outside their halls - and were today looking at ways members can still gamble while being allowed to light up.

The news comes just a day after the chain announced its hall in Wolverhampton city centre's Skinner Street was to close amid fears the July 1 blanket ban on smoking in public places would put off players.

Mecca Bingo in Bilston is just one of many that has applied to create the hut outside its Springvale Way building.

It is thought the other branches in Brierley Hill, West Bromwich, Oldbury, Wednesbury, Telford and Birmingham will also apply to build shelters.

The Bilston branch intends to extend its existing entrance canopy to provide a larger cover for visitors to take smoking breaks between games.

Max Wylde, spokesman for operators Rank, said today: "We had to review all of our clubs which might be affected by the smoking ban profits-wise. It was felt that Bilston would have the most potential to remain profitable.

"We hope that people in Wolverhampton will come to Bilston to play.

"When the smoking ban comes in, the smoking shelter is just one part of our plans. We are looking at ways people can use the smoking shelters and keep playing while they have their breaks."

Rank announced yesterday it was to close nine branches, including Wolverhampton's popular Skinner Street hall.

Bosses hope to re-employ as many of the 26 staff as possible elsewhere, but 230 jobs are at risk nationally.

Mr Wylde added that the branch would shut "in weeks, not months."

He said the smoking part was "part of the equation" after the group suffered a 15 per cent dip in profits at its Scottish bingo halls in the wake of the smoking ban.

By Becky Sharpe