Banbury bingo venue to shut its doors permanently

The company Buzz Bingo announced today (Wednesday July 15) the Banbury locations of its business would not reopen as part of the company's restructuring plan.

Staff made the following post on social media about the Banbury location: "It’s with a heavy heart we announce that Buzz Bingo Banbury will not be reopening and is closing permanently.

"We’re really sad to bring you this news as we know this will be a difficult time for our community and our colleagues.

The decision comes as part of the company's proposed restructure to its retail estate, closing 26 clubs, following the outbreak of COVID-19.

A spokesperson for the Buzz Bingo said: "We know our clubs are at the heart of communities, and offer a regular social experience for many of our customers.

"We want to reassure our players that they can still enjoy the Buzz Bingo experience online at buzzbingo.com with a selection of slots and bingo games.

Under the proposed restructure plan the majority of the bingo clubs (91) will continue to trade. But 26 clubs will close permanently due to what the company expects will be an unsustainable operating environment for the foreseeable future.

The restructure plan will potentially impact 573 of Buzz’s 3400 colleagues across the business, whom Buzz Bingo is committed to supporting at this difficult time.

Like many others in the leisure and entertainment sector, Buzz Bingo was forced to close all its clubs across the UK, which have remained closed since Saturday March 21.

It put immediate measures in place: minimising costs where possible, reducing senior management pay and making use of the government’s furlough scheme for the vast majority of employees.

Chris Matthews, chief executive of Buzz Bingo said: "The ongoing pandemic has had far-reaching consequences for the entire leisure and hospitality sector and an immediate and significant impact on our business.

"Following a thorough review of our options, the proposed CVA will restructure our retail portfolio to ensure we are well positioned for a return to growth, while adapting to the ongoing, challenging environment as we start to reopen the majority of our clubs.

"The restructure will, very sadly, impact a number of our colleagues and my priority is to support all those affected and keep them fully informed as we continue with this process. I would like to thank every single one of our colleagues for their continued understanding and commitment over this period.”

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