Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris today repeated calls for the Chancellor to ease the discriminatory tax burden on Bingo Clubs when he delivers his budget next Wednesday.  At the moment the Bingo Industry is subject to an added 17.5% VAT which its immediate competitors need not pay.  Bob has already met with the Bingo Association and has placed a motion in the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking from the Gala Bingo in Maryhill, Mr Doris said: "Next weeks budget provides the Chancellor with an opportunity to right an historic wrong.
 

"Bingo clubs provide a safe, social environment in local communities that many other entertainments cannot replicate.  For many, especially elderly women, the weekly visit to the Bingo is the comfortable and friendly place to be.

"Traditional forms of social interaction are on a downward trend and Bingo clubs are already struggling in an ever crowded market - that they have to pay this extra tax is simple discrimination.

"I hold a surgery here in the Gala Maryhill and you can see that its much more than a game of bingo. It's a community centre and it would be terrible if it had to close.

"All we're asking for is a level playing field so that we can retain jobs and provide an important and traditional social outlet for our people.

"The Chancellor knows that there is a broad cross party consensus and I urge him to do the right thing."