With a smoking ban possibly around the corner in many states, it’s important that you start thinking now about how to make your bingo hall as welcoming as possible to customers who smoke. We all know that many bingo players smoke, and player retention should be your absolute first priority.  
 
What can bingo halls do now to keep their regulars coming around in the future? A few simple steps can help make sure your devoted players are still chomping at the bit to yell ‘Bingo!’ in your hall.
 
1. Educate the Smokers at Your Bingo
 
If a smoking ban should pass in your area, be sure that the smokers at your bingo understand exactly what's going to happen. Talk to them about what will and won't be allowed. Most importantly, let them know how important they are to your bingo and what steps you will be taking to make them as comfortable as possible. Explain to them that, if they have any suggestions on how to better accomodate them, you'd be pleased to hear them. 
 
2. If Allowed, Create a Comfortable Smoking Area Outside Your Bingo Hall 
 
Make your smokers as comfortable as possible within the confines of the law. They will appreciate a place that makes them feel welcome.

If you can legally create an enclosed smoking space, then do so, and don't skimp. If possible, consider adding amenities that address heat, air conditioning, and the overall comfort of your bingo players. Find a way to let your smokers order food, drinks, additional bingo paper or other bingo supplies from the smoking area. Without being unnecessarily extravagant, make your smoking area as lavish as possible.
 
If the rules don't permit an enclosed smoking area, then at least make sure there is a covered space, such as a gazebo, available to them. Smokers aren't going to want to stand in the rain. You should also purchase a couple of outdoor ashtrays (some of which can hold up to 14,000 cigarette butts), and a covered trashcan or two for those who want to throw away their empty cigarette packs and drinks.

Make sure your smoking area is well-lit and away from the entrance to your bingo. You also want to add some outdoor speakers, so your players can hear the bingo caller and any announcements. Be sure that they can easily know what’s going on so they won’t miss out on any of the bingo fun!
 
3. Consider Changing Your Bingo Program
 
In order to accomodate your smokers, you may want to take a look at your bingo program and make a few simple changes. You likely will want to add a few additional short breaks to give your smokers a chance to light up between games.
 
Also, some locations have discovered that a few short games here and there played for smaller prize amounts will allow your smokers an additional chance to step out for a smoke without missing much. In any event, get some feedback from your bingo players who smoke so that you understand when some breaks will be needed. 
 
4. Try to Have Fun With It
 
Let your bingo players know that you care. Perhaps you can hold a few "Last Days of Smoking Parties". Enlist the bingo players who don't smoke and encourage them to keep their smoking friends coming back. If possible, give out some additional prizes or offer concessions discounts. Whatever it takes, let your bingo players know you care.

5. Clean it Up!

Now that bingo players can no longer smoke within your bingo, you might as well make it extra clean and comfortable for all your players. Welcome in the new rules with some "spring cleaning" to give your location a fresh appearance. Wash everything down—walls, tables, chairs, windows—and get rid of any tar or smoke buildup. White vinegar or a mix of hot water and Simple Green® can help with that.

One remedy we've heard about to help remove that smoke smell is to put out bowls of white vinegar or baking soda after your session is over to absorb the smell overnight. You may want to avoid using air fresheners because a lot of people have sensitivities to them and won’t be able to enjoy your games.

You can replace the ceiling tiles and give your ceiling a brand new look, and liven up the area with some new artwork as well. Keep in mind what you’ll be doing for any upcoming holidays to decorate!

Overall, what you’re doing is trying to remake the room into an area where non-smokers and smokers alike can enjoy your bingo. Give them the place where they can really have fun!  And last, but not least, always make sure to keep your smoking area clean, to give your players a comfortable environment and keep them coming back!
 
Conclusion
A smoking ban can be devastating to a charity bingo. If nothing is done to accomodate your smoking bingo players and make them feel welcome, your bingo will suffer. These players (and even many of their non-smoking friends) will simply stop coming.
 
To prevent this, you must get ahead of the problem. You must work hard, especially in the initial stages of any smoking ban, to keep bingo players coming back. Don't give them the opportunity to leave your bingo. Make them feel welcome, make them know you care, and allow them to continue to have fun at your bingo.