A NEW bingo hall could soon open in Weymouth - and it is proposed that live music, dancing and even strippers could entertain punters.

An application has been submitted to Dorset Council for the closed down former Buzz Bingo on Crescent Street to be revived under new management.

Permission is being sought for a new licence at the site by Brown Leisure, trading under the name 'Leo Leisure'.

The company has applied for a licence between 10am and midnight to include 'potential quiz nights and karaoke' as well as occasional live music.

The application states that 'entertainment provided on site may occasionally include stripper/s'.

A spokesman for the national chain said it hopes to bring a positive benefit to the community by reopening the club.

"Brown Leisure Limited has had experience of operating bingo clubs, also for many years. The company, which has clubs in Eastbourne, Eastleigh and Ryde, Isle of Wight, wishes to revive the bingo club and its entertainment and applies for licences to enable it to do that.

"This will reduce the number of people who may be otherwise on the streets in the area looking for entertainment."

Assurances are given that the club’s manager will hold the necessary gambling and alcohol sales licences, and that staff will be trained in the necessary aspects of licensing.

It would operate a strict age policy during adult entertainment performances and qualified door staff would be in attendance.

As reported, the Buzz Bingo hall shut down in 2020 after its operators axed branches across the UK.

Commenting at the time, Chris Matthews, CEO of Buzz Bingo said: "As many of you will understand, coronavirus has had a significant impact on our business and on the entire leisure and hospitality industry.

"We have therefore had to make some difficult decisions about how we move forward and ensure that we protect the future of Buzz Bingo.

"It is, therefore, with sadness that I need to share with you that 26 of our clubs will not reopen, and will close permanently in a proposed restructure of our retail business.

"Our Buzz Bingo community means the world to us, and we know how disappointing this news will be – especially for those of our customers who are losing their local club, and of course, our colleagues – we know that we are more than just a club, we are part of your community, and for that, I am really sorry."

It is not yet known how many jobs would be created if proposals for the new venue go ahead.

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