Bingo Players Lobby Local MP (From Crewe Guardian)

Bingo Players Lobby Local MP

9:13am Wednesday 27th May 2009 in

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CUSTOMERS at a Crewe bingo hall are calling for a fair deal from the Government.

More than 110 customers and employees at Mecca Bingo have written to their local MP Edward Timpson asking for support in overturning the Government’s decision to raise bingo duty to 22%.

Manager Gill Clark 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% tax, whilst one of our customers has to pay 22%.

“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% and not increase it to 22%.”

Edward Timpson MP added: “Since the Government’s dishonest budget I have been one of the leading Parliamentarians involved in raising the profile of the bingo industry, and this unforgiveable attack on its customers.

“I have appeared on radio, television and in Parliament to talk about how bingo clubs provide a safe social space for communities, mainly women, young and old alike.

"My own local club in Crewe has 20,000 members, and I am one!

“A tax raid on the pockets of these people will threaten their clubs.

"Online bingo, betting shops and football pools are all taxed at a rate of 15%. Why is normal bingo different?

“Like they did with the Ghurkas, the Government just need to admit they got it wrong.”