The future of bricks and mortar bingo halls in Liverpool is under threat unless tough tax laws are relaxed.
Managers of bingo clubs in the city are lobbying the treasury minister for a change in the law, emphasizing the value of bingo halls on a social front.
Customers say that the game is a huge part of their social life, and call the bingo clubs their 'second home'.
MP Jane Kennedy of Wavertree met with Mecca manager Simon Wykes to discuss the double taxation problem that bingo faces. The bingo industry is campaigning to remove the tax laws that force bingo clubs to pay 17.5% VAT as well as gross tax profits of 15% - something that casinos and betting shops do not have to do.
Wykes said that he felt the tax was unfair, and is puling down the bingo industry, which was already badly hit by the smoking ban, as well as slot machine limitations.
"At the moment, the bingo industry is forced to pay double tax, which is unlike any other gambling activity", said Wykes. "There is no doubt if the law was changed that it would be better for the bingo industry and its customers. Since last year we have seen a dramatic loss of over one fifth of bingo customers. We once had four Mecca bingo halls in Liverpool, now we only have one. The closure of those clubs has meant the loss of a hugely popular pastime and form of entertainment."
Kennedy acknowledged that the industry 'is facing pressure', and said that the government was looking at ways that the bingo community could be supported by the government.
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