Nine Buzz Bingo clubs face closure threat

Buzz Bingo is proposing to close nine of its 91 UK clubs – effectively 10 per cent – due to current economic and operational challenges.

The land-based operator said it is committed to supporting the employees the closures could affect – as many as 151 workers.

Buzz Bingo said the nine clubs in question have “unfortunately ceased to be financially viable.” Three are in the North West of England and two are in Scotland.

Buzz Bingo said a change in customer behaviour following the coronavirus pandemic and a loss in consumer confidence due to the cost of living crisis are among the challenges it faces.

The chain has subsequently been hit by increased operational and energy costs, further affecting its future – and says closing the nine clubs should provide the best outcome for stakeholders and employees.

Dominic Mansour, chief executive at Buzz Bingo, said the current challenges have left the chain with “no real option other than to cease trading” at the venues.

He added: “Believe me, no-one wants to make the call to close clubs. However, it is my belief that it’s these decisions that will allow us to restructure the business for long term growth and to protect the livelihoods of our colleagues for the long run.”

Alongside the Bromborough, Belle Vue and Carlisle clubs in the North West, as well as the Dumfries and Cumbernauld venues in Scotland, Keighley in West Yorkshire, Surrey Quays in London, Grantham in Lincolnshire and Slough in Berkshire could also lose their Buzz Bingo operations.

Buzz Bingo, which runs its clubs from its Nottingham and London headquarters, rebranded from Gala Leisure in May 2018 after the sale of Ladbrokes Coral Group’s retail clubs.

The company also runs online bingo, slots and casino games.