Gala Bingo in Fenton has become one of the first bingo halls to offer outdoor games machines, which means that players don’t need to stop playing their favourite games when smoking.

Bingo halls as well as pubs and clubs have had to adapt since the smoking ban was introduced in the summer of 2007, and Gala bingo hopes that its new hi-tech smoking shelter will attract new customers and prove popular with its existing players.

Assistant manager in the Fenton Gala Bingo Robert Jones said: “When you look at some bingo clubs and see people smoking outside, it does look quite unsociable. But with this smoking shelter it’s more social, they can have a drink, chat with their friends, and they can carry on playing”.

The smoking shelter, which is heated, has over 30 coin activated machines, with prizes ranging from £10 to over £1000. Customers at the bingo hall are said to be impressed by the new shelter and the outdoor games are already becoming a hit.

Jan 16 2009