Rank still hurt by smoking ban
7 May 2008
UNITED KINGDOM -- As reported by the BBC: "Gaming firm Rank says it is continuing to feel the impact of the UK-wide smoking ban at its Mecca bingo halls.
"Like-for-like revenue fell 14% in England and Wales during the 17 weeks to 27 April, compared with the same period a year ago.
"Attendance fell by 13%, with spending per customer down by 1%.
"But Rank, which also runs Grosvenor Casinos and the Blue Square online betting business, said it had been "encouraged" by its performance.
"...Revenue at the group overall slipped by 8%. This was cushioned by a 10% rise in business at Blue Square as the market for online betting continued to build..."