A legal saga surrounding a new Bingo Hall in Cork continued last night (Sunday, 1st January 2012)
Gardai again seized books from “Rock Bingo” which is located in the former Water’s Glass building in Togher.
At 7pm the game organisers opened their doors for the New Year, having secured a declaration from the High Court in December that their activities are legal.
However, after 8pm Gardai from Togher Station presented a warrant , entered the premises, and seized a small sample of bingo books which had not yet been sold.
Over 300 people were in the hall at the time, and the programme for the night was able to continue.
There have numerous objectors to “Rock Bingo” including Neptune Basketball Club, and Na Piarsaigh and Glen Rovers GAA Clubs. Each is worried that their own fundraising efforts will be damaged if a permanent bingo hall is allowed to operate in Cork.
Dave Barber, one of the family owners of “Rock Bingo” says under Irish law a percentage of takings goes to selected charities and non profit organisations. Mr Barber says he has written to Cork groups inviting them to partner with “Rock Bingo”.
We spoke with him after the Gardai had departed
