Mecca Bingo halls in Sheffield, recently staged a silence protest against the government’s tax decision. The club had sent several letters to the local MP Richard Caborn but had got no response from him. Hence the decision to stage a  silent protest.  So last week on a busy bingo day,  instead of the usual hustle bustle, the bingo hall maintained complete silence. The prize money for the sessions was £50 in cash. The teller was muted during these games and an electronic screen displayed the numbers. The players themselves monitored and mark edoff their numbers. Sarah Whittaker, general manager of the halls was quoted as saying, “Nearly 600 letters have been sent to MP Richard Caborn but the response is as if they were sent to the bin!”

Those of you who have not been following the ongoing protest, the UK government has levied 22% tax on the bingo halls as against only 15% tax for industries similar to the Bingo industry. Opposing the government’s decision, Mecca Bingo and the official UK Bingo Association kick started the ‘I’m Backing Bingo” campaign. However the government has not changed its decision and even politicians from the Opposition have been sidelining the issue. Paradoxically, as bingo halls face the threat of closing down in UK, bingo lovers are turning to the online bingo sector which in recent times has shown the largest growth potential. Bingo associations are also recognizing this shift. For instance, Rank Group of which MeccaBingo.com is a subsidiary has moved to provide bingo players with all the latest bingo games on the web.

Bingo halls are an integral part of UK’s community life and double up as social clubs. Closing them will be ending a popular form of social interaction and a favourite past time. Opening of new bingo clubs such as Mecca bingo’s  brand new club in Beeston gives some hope to brick and mortar bingo hall lovers.

Written for www.londonbingo.co.uk by Irene

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