So the smoking ban really works? BINGO clubs suffering from the downturn caused by the smoking ban are calling on MSPs to help the industry. Sir Peter Fry, the former Tory MP will join representatives from clubs across Scotland at the public petitions committee. The group claims bingo halls are more highly taxed than other "harder" gaming products and have suffered a loss in punters because of the smoking ban. They said smaller clubs will be the first to be forced shut by these problems, depriving remote communities of important entertainment. The petition reads: "The industry in Scotland needs the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Executive to make clear representation to the UK government calling for bingo to be taxed in the same way as the rest of the industry." Publicans will also be appearing at the committee to complain about the effects of the smoking ban and call for designated smoking areas to be allowed in pubs. Taken from the Scotsman.