42 Staff Left Jobless as Owner of Three North-East Bingo Halls Goes Bankrupt

It’s a turbulent time for land-based bingo operations in the UK and many are blaming the smoking ban which came into effect back in 2007 for the increase in the number of bingo hall closures and that list has just been updated. Three bingo halls in the North-East of England have closed their doors for good as the owner goes bankrupt.

Beach Bingo in North Shields, Jarrow and South Shields have been hit with difficult trading conditions of late and as a result, 42 staff are now left with no job. There was no notice of the closure, instead, a notice was slapped on the venue doors for the public to read. The notice read: "It is with great sadness as of today Beach Bingo Clubs can no longer trade. We wish to thank all of our fantastic customers for their support over the years."

No Daubing Way Possible:

There had been a great effort ploughed into keeping the club open, but the owner, Rob Garrand confirmed that as a result of going bankrupt, all three branches would close and that 42 staff would be affected. Speaking to the local press, Garrard said: "I'm devastated. I've been doing this for 20 years. We have done our best to keep going in quite difficult trading circumstances. Unfortunately, we are unable to keep going, to the extent I'm personally bankrupt.”

The devastated owner continued: "My priorities at the moment are making sure that the staff get as much help as possible. We have been making efforts to try and keep it going for a long time."

Beach Bingo in North Shields, UK was described on social media as a hub of the community and there were posts praising the staff for their tremendous efforts in trying to keep the bingo club open. In the past, actor Jimmi Harkishin who is best known for his role as Dev Alahan in Coronations Street was roped in to call the bingo numbers, but despite a sell-out crowd appearing for the event, the club still had to close.

Facebook messages read: "So sorry to hear this. Don’t know what me and my mam will do on a Tuesday night now. Lovely staff team too. We will miss you and wish you all the best for the future."

Another user commented: "Absolutely gutted, made some lifelong friends at the bingo and had some of my best nights out there. What a shame. So so sorry to all the staff who we have all grown to love over the years. It's a sad day for all."

Last but not least was a message from a long-time customer: "Really sad to hear the news. I started going to the Beach over 50 years ago with my mam. Then I brought my daughter, then my grandchildren. You will be missed by many. Good luck to the team for the future."

Online bingo and websites with casino games are bound to have an impact on land-based venues, and sadly, there’s only going to be one outcome in the not too distant future; more bingo hall closures.