Entrepreneur Michael Smith plans to open his third ‘luxury bingo’ venue in the North West, bringing his concept to Liverpool city region for the first time and creating new jobs. Andrew Brown reports
A business owner has been inspired by his visits to Southport and has submitted plans to open a new ‘luxury bingo’ lounge in Lord Street.
Michael Smith has submitted a planning application to Sefton Council to open a LOL Entertainment venue in the former Lavish furniture store premises at 229 – 231 Lord Street.
He has applied for a change of use from a shop to a luxury bingo and slots lounge with works to provide a disabled provision toilet.
It would be the firm’s third venue, adding to those already in Manchester and Newcastle. If granted, the 2,100 sq ft premises would see the creation of eight new employees – four full-time and four part-time.
LOL Entertainment is seeking opening hours of 10am until midnight. In a letter to Sefton Council, Michael wrote: “If granted, this will be our third luxury bingo lounge, with two currently trading in Manchester (Harpurhey) and Newcastle (Wallsend).
“We have chosen the venue in Southport for a number of reasons. Firstly, both of the bingo clubs in the town have closed, the town has therefore lost a valuable community asset.
“Secondly, LOL Bingo are strong supporters of a high street revival – we fit out to a high standard. Thirdly the site is the correct size and the location very desirable.
“On a personal note, my father grew up in Southport, before meeting my mother and moving to Manchester.
“Following my father’s passing my mother would regularly take us to Southport and I can still remember spending time on Lord Street, particularly the busy cafes and independent shops.
“We pride ourselves on supporting the local area, we are great neighbours, we try (where possible) to recruit locally, and all staff will be recruited from Southport postcodes.
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“Importantly, we work to create a community feel, and give people a place to meet friends and make new ones. Some of our older customers don’t speak to anyone before they walk into one of our lounges for a complimentary coffee.
“We also take our gambling policies very seriously, with a Think 25 policy in place and customers regularly interacted with.”