| In a move thought to be the first of its kind in the city, the owners of the arcade on the High Street, Noble Amusements, have lodged an application with Dundee City Council for permission to erect an external smoking canopy complete with three prize-winning “bandits”.
The plans, intended for an enclosed courtyard to the rear of the property, have been designed to enable smokers at the arcade to continue pumping their cash into machines even when their desire for a nicotine fix sends them outside.
Amusement arcades and bingo halls have complained of suffering from a major drop in takings following the introduction of the smoking ban in March 2006, with loyal gamblers dissuaded from parting with cash when they can’t have a cigarette indoors.
However, Noble Organisation director David Beisterfield told the Tele today the arcades were fighting back with the outdoor gambling plan specifically designed to cater for customers’ interests in the wake of the smoking ban.
He said, “It’s no different to someone going into a pub and being able to take their pint outside to a beer garden where they can drink and smoke.
“We’re offering our customers the option of continuing to use the machines, which is ultimately why they visit our premises, in an area where they can continue smoking at the same time.
“It’s become fairly standard practice at our premises across Scotland.”
Mr Beisterfield said the courtyard to the rear of the premises was entirely enclosed, meaning the machines would only be available for use to Noble customers and could not be accessed by anyone else.
He said, “Of course we would not be considering this if there was a question of safety, but we believe this complies entirely with the smoking ban legislation.”
Plans submitted for the development reveal the teak-finished timber canopy will house the three units facing onto the rear entrance of footwear shop Schuh.
Noble have informed neighbouring properties including the Arctic Bar, Forum Centre and Slaters Menswear about the proposal.
Mr Beisterfield also confirmed today that Noble Amusements had decided to abandon their pursuit of planning permission to extend the arcade into the neighbouring property on the High Street.
He cited commercial reasons as the ultimate factor in removing their application for full planning permission to extend into the former coffee shop.
The arcade has already sparked protest from retailers and shoppers in the area claiming that it may have a detrimental impact on the area.
The owners of the nearby Forum Centre, Union Land, said they had canvassed retailers and pedestrians and found widespread opposition to the proposal.
The Noble Amusements chain won, on appeal and after a public inquiry, permission for the amusement centre at 77 High Street. |
