THE company in charge of a bingo hall in Rhyl has entered administration.

Apollo Rhyl, on Brighton Road, is one of eight UK venues run by independent retail bingo operator Majestic Bingo facing an uncertain future.

Interpath Advisory has been appointed as its administrators, with 143 jobs under threat.

Majestic Bingo also has sites in Caernarfon, Cornwall, Donnington, Bishop Auckland, Tonypandy, Worcester and Skegness.

The joint administrators will continue to trade the business, and all eight venues remain open while options for a sale of the business and its assets are explored.

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All members of staff have so far been retained by the administrators to enable trade to continue.

A statement from Majestic Bingo read: “Tim Bateson and Chris Pole, of Interpath Advisory, were appointed as joint administrators of Majestic Bingo Ltd on July 7.

“The affairs, business and property of the company is being managed by the joint administrators.

“The joint administrators act as agents of the company and contract without personal liability.

“The company is currently continuing to trade in administration.”

Eric Howell, operations director at Majestic Bingo, added his appreciation shown by its Rhyl customers following the company entering administration.

He said: “We’ve been really heartened and humbled by the support of our customers in Rhyl since the administrators were appointed at the start of the month.

“The Apollo remains open, it’s very much business as usual, and so we’ve been delighted that our customers have stuck with us during this time.

“The administrators are working hard in the background, trying to secure a sale of the business.

“While I can’t say much more on that at this point, I know there has been lots of interest in the business and so I’m hoping a way forward will be found.”

Interpath added that Majestic Bingo was “adversely impacted” by COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, which caused significant reductions in admissions from which it has since failed to fully recover.

In its latest accounts, for the year ending December 31, 2021, Majestic recorded a £6.6million turnover - down from £7.3m a year earlier - and its pre-tax losses grew from £706,000 to £833,000.

Majestic’s online business, Majestic Bingo Online Ltd, is a separate entity which is not in administration and continues to operate as usual.

Tim Bateson, joint administrator, added: “Majestic is one of the UK’s most recognisable independent bingo operators, but in recent years has seen trading adversely affected by the impact of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the cost-of-living crisis.

“We will continue to trade the business in the immediate term while we seek a buyer for the business, and would encourage any interested parties to make contact with us as soon as possible.”

The building occupied by Apollo Rhyl first opened in 1937 as the Odeon Cinema, and became a full-time bingo operation in 1996.

In 2016, a £500,000 investment by Majestic Bingo was revealed to renovate the building, including anew entrance, foyer and social areas; refurbished main hall, and expanded machine gaming lounge.

Its external appearance was also improved as part of the works.