Jump to full article: BBC Online, 2008-05-07
Intro: 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.
"We have achieved a degree of success in adjusting to the smoking ban and the new gaming regulations and have taken timely action to protect profits," the firm said
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