The Bingo Association has announced that the smoking ban in Scotland is having a significantly more detrimental impact on the country’s bingo industry than anticipated.

In the three months since the ban’s implementation, revenues at all bingo clubs have been hit hard, as bingo players arrive later and leave earlier.

Operators have reported a 17-26 per cent decline and five clubs have already closed. Scotland’s independent bingo clubs have suffered the greatest pressure.

Mike Lowe, operations manager of K. E. Entertainments, said: “Within a four-week period of the ban being introduced it was apparent that the business would be devastated and extreme measures would need to be taken to lessen the impact. After 6 weeks I had identified two clubs that would need to close – Denny and Kirkcaldy. I have recorded as many as 47 per cent of players leaving a session in order to smoke.

“The coming months are a great concern and I do not feel that we have seen the worse effects of the smoking ban yet.”

In response, the association has written to the Treasury to highlight the severity of the situation and to request support to offset the negative impact of the ban.

Association chair, Peter Fry, said: “As bingo clubs and players adapt to the new circumstances forced upon them, operators are required to invest in new facilities and equipment, placing a further strain on the business. Many smaller operators are finding that the double burden will make it impossible for them to remain in business.” Details: www.bingo-assocation.co.uk