Jobs to go as established bingo hall faces closure
A West Yorkshire bingo hall is to close, one of nine Buzz Bingo clubs to be axed across the UK.
The business, which currently has 91 UK clubs, has confirmed its base in Alice Street, Keighley, will shut down with the loss of 14 jobs.
Buzz Bingo has blamed the move – which could affect as many as 151 workers in total across its national operation – on “economic and operational challenges.”
The company was hit by a change in customer behaviour following the pandemic and a loss in consumer confidence due to the cost of living crisis. The chain has subsequently been contending with increased operational and energy costs.
Dominic Mansour, chief executive, said the current difficulties had left the business with “no real option other than to cease trading” at some of its venues.
He said: “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.”
Buzz Bingo rebranded from Gala Leisure in May 2018 after the sale of Ladbrokes Coral Group’s retail clubs. The firm also runs online bingo, slots and casino games.
