Historic working men's club shuts

The smoking ban is one factor being blamed for the closure

A working men's club dating back to 1862 has closed with debts of £26,000.

Coventry Working Men's Club blamed the smoking ban as one factor for the closure during the economic downturn.

Secretary Graham Shields said: "We've got out of trouble before with the help of our creditors and what have you, but it did come as a real shock."

Graham Davenport and Tracy Browning, who were due to have their wedding reception there on 9 August, have had to find an alternative venue.

The bride-to-be said: "We had to just ring round anyone we could, our in-laws mainly, and get them to just ring as many people as possible to try and find somewhere different."

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The smoking ban has been partly blamed for the closure