Bingo players forced to smoke outside (From Mid Devon Star)

Bingo players forced to smoke outside

8:27am Thursday 26th April 2007

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SCORES of bingo-mad smokers in Exeter could soon be left at the mercy of the elements after a bid to give them a shelter was rejected.

Exeter City Council planners have thrown out an application for a perforated aluminium polycarbonate shed to serve as a shelter next to the Mecca Bingo's North Street base - a Grade II-listed building.

And that means that Mecca Bingo has had to go back to the drawing board to come up with a more suitable design before new anti-smoking legislation becomes law.

From July 1, businesses allowing smoking on their premises could face a summons of up to £2,500.

Individuals who defy the ban could receive a fixed penalty of between £30 and £200. In Exeter, the fine will be £75.

In refusing permission, the city council said the shelter's siting, size, design and materials would have a detrimental effect on the setting of the Grade II-listed building and the character of the Central Conservation Area.

The shelter would have been to the right of the front door of the bingo hall, which used to be the Gaumont Cinema.

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