Rock Bingo Wins Restraining Order and Will Open for Business Tomorrow

02 November 2011

Rock Bingo, Cork's newest entertainment facility, has secured a temporary High Court order, which will allow them to officially open for business tomorrow night (Thursday 4th November).  The 1,000 seat facility was due to open on Tuesday night, but less than an hour prior to opening, gardaí raided the premises and seized their bingo books, preventing preventing Rock Bingo's first bingo session proceeding as planned.

The new interim injunction from the High Court restrains interference with, obstructing, hindering and/or disrupting any lottery being operated on new premises at Deanrock Togher Cork, pursuant to a valid lottery license granted under section 28 of the gaming's & lotteries act 1956.

After taking an unusual case against the State, the Garda Commissioner and Supt. Charles Barry, based in Togher, Cork for interfering with their business, last Saturday, 29th October, 2011, in an emergency sitting of the High Court, Rock Bingo was granted an interim order returnable to Friday next, and  given the green light to open the doors for business immediately.  This unusual case, taken by leading Cork business man, James Barber and the family team behind the new development, was taken out of total desperation due to what they saw as interference by the aforementioned parties to prevent the opening of this totally legitimate and lawful enterprise, which is bringing over 30 new jobs and a fantastic new entertainment centre to the area.

As operators of a bingo establishment, Rock Bingo must work with beneficiary charity and non-profit organisations that hold current lottery licences; and with these in place, the facility is ready for business. Speaking on behalf of the family team behind Rock Bingo, James Barber stated today: "Rock Bingo is entitled to run bingo games for charities which have been issued lottery licence for the relevant district, and this will raise quite significant funds during the course of the year for each of the charitable organisations involved.  Our business model is recognised in the Department of Finance's charitable Lotteries Fund Scheme, is lawful and complies with all legal requirements under the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956."

James added "We are happy with today's ruling, and it's only due to the fact our bingo books haven't yet been returned that we are unable to open tonight. We do however look forward to officially opening tomorrow night.  We have invested over €700,000 in this state of the art entertainment centre, which can cater for 1,000 people; we are bringing 30 new jobs to Cork and we are creating a fabulous fundraising opportunity for our charity partners - this truly is a positive addition to area."

Rock Bingo will now open the doors on Thursday 4th November at 6:30pm with the first bingo to be played at 8pm sharp in the Togher premises.  Dave Barber, son of James who will be part of team running Rock Bingo went on to say "After all of the preparations and careful planning we are delighted to be finally opening our doors for bingo this Thursday.  This will be superb for the people of Cork who will be able to enjoy a great value, fun night out in a safe alcohol free environment. We were disappointed with Tuesday night's incident, as were about 150 bingo players that turned up at our doors, and we sincerely hope that the matter is behind us now and that our newly recruited team can concentrate on getting our doors open and that we will now be supported by the authorities."

Rock Bingo will open Monday to Friday from 6pm to 11pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 11pm.  For further information visit www.rockbingo.ie.