Alison Hume MP, who represents Scarborough and Whitby, says she is saddened by the closure of the local Mecca Bingo hall in Scarborough.
The popular venue, located on Albermarle Crescent, held its final session on Sunday, marking the end of a long-standing community tradition.
Ms Hume stated that she knows "many people living in Scarborough and the surrounding area are saddened by Mecca Bingo’s decision to close their site in town".
For many residents, the venue was far more than a place to play games; it served as a crucial social nexus. The MP explained that some constituents told her how their trips were actually "social occasions, providing them with the chance to keep in touch with old friends and make new ones".
The closure has also hit those who relied on the club for their income. Ms Hume acknowledged that "for others, the venue was important because it was their livelihood". The deep friendships formed within the hall, bridging the gap between staff and customers, were evident during the final session. Ms Hume reported that those working their last shifts were called up onto stage and "given a rousing reception by everyone else in attendance".
Pursuing Legislative Reform
Ms Hume emphasised that "Jobs, relationships and community spirit are vitally important", and she has acted quickly to try and safeguard the future of social gambling venues in the area.
The MP has already held discussions with the Bingo Association, focusing on how they can ensure Scarborough "has a bingo club moving forward".
In Westminster, Ms Hume raised the matter directly with Baroness Twycross, the Minister for Museums, Heritage and Gambling. The MP is now seeking to decouple bingo clubs from existing legislation that governs adult gaming centres (ACGs). While Ms Hume noted that her "dislike for adult gaming centres (ACGs) is a matter of record", she believes there is "an argument for bingo clubs to be decoupled" because of the important social opportunities they provide.
Regarding ACGs specifically, Ms Hume confirmed during what she described as a "very constructive conversation" with Baroness Twycross, that she will continue to press for the removal of ‘Aim to Permit’ when local authorities receive planning applications for them. The MP added that local authorities are set to be given additional powers to undertake impact assessments focused on "clusters of gambling businesses".
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