Bingo players to smoke and play at same time

A British bingo hall will give players handheld gadgets so they can continue playing while smoking.

Mecca Bingo in Leith, Scotland will bring in the devices when they create a £60,000 shelter, which the company has just been granted an extended licence enabling those smoking in the new section to gamble while puffing on a cigarette.

However, some local officials were disappointed with the Edinburgh licensing board’s decision to allow gambling in the smoking are.

Councillor Eric Barry told the Edinburgh Evening News: “This actually goes against public health by allowing people to spend longer in a smoking area while playing this game.”