Ayr bingo buddies slam duty hike

Jun 19 2009 by Lisa Boyle

SCORES of bingo buddies have blasted the government and called for a fair deal.

It comes after bingo duty was hiked from 15 per cent to 22 per cent in the budget.

More than 235 customers and staff of the Mecca club in Ayr have written to Sandra Osborne MP calling for her support.

The bingo fans hope to overturn the decision which puts added pressure on clubs which have already suffered a loss at the hands of the smoking ban.

Time will tell how much of an effect the increase will have at the Ayr club.

Being a holiday destination, the seaside town traditionally pulls in more business over the summer.

But increased prices could turn off customers over the winter.

Most Mecca customers are women, and many are pensioners or on a low wage.

Although bingo duty has increased, bookmakers, the football pools and provincial casinos have all stayed the same.

Julie Holderness, manager of Mecca Bingo in Ayr, said: “Our customers just can’t understand why the government is targeting women.

“It just doesn’t seem to be fair that someone can go to the bookies and place a bet and only pay 15 per cent tax, whilst one of our customers has to pay 22 per cent.”

Julie continued: “To our customers, this is about so much more than just bingo.

“For some, this is the only opportunity they have to socialise with other people and it would be criminal if clubs are forced to close because the government is discriminating against one of the nation’s favourite pastimes.

“That’s why we are urging the government to keep tax at 15 per cent and not increase it to 22 per cent.”

However Mrs Osborne, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, insists that she understands the problem.

She said: “I have been in contact with a number of my constituents regarding the issue of bingo tax.

“I fully recognise the importance bingo has in people’s lives and in our communities and have met with the management of our local Mecca Bingo on numerous occasions over the years raising issues of concern with the government.”

She added: “The changes to taxation on bingo should be seen alongside the removal altogether of VAT on bingo player fees.

“The changes mean that overall tax on bingo is 22 per cent – down from an estimated 24 to 25 per cent rate before the budget.

“This has been brought down from the much higher rate of 35 per cent in force in 2003.”

If you would like to discuss this issue with Sandra, please telephone 01292 262906.