Merkur Slots is applying to open its fifth outlet in Enfield borough but the council claims it is powerless to stop it, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Adult gaming centres are on the rise across the UK (credit Erik McLean via Unsplash)

Proposals for a new gambling arcade in Southgate have been submitted to Enfield Council.

Gambling chain Merkur Slots has applied for a premises licence to open an adult gaming centre (AGC) at the former NatWest bank branch in Southgate Circus which, if approved, would become the company’s fifth outlet in Enfield borough.

AGCs have become controversial for their links to gambling addiction, with local campaigners opposing two opening in Palmers Green in recent years.

Jane Maggs, vice chair for Southgate District Civic Voice (SDCV), has also raised concerns about the latest Merkur Slots application, saying such venues contribute “nothing of value” and “deter family-friendly investment”.

She said: “The area around Southgate Circus is a major transport interchange, with a station, buses and heavy pedestrian traffic. There are high numbers of school children and students from local schools and colleges who pass through Southgate every day.

“The proximity of this arcade will expose them to potential harm, as it increases their exposure to marketing and advertising seeking to normalise gambling.

“There is a risk of increasing or creating the social problems associated with addictions. This would add to the problems the area has experienced in recent years.”

Susan Erbil, cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, said although the Labour-run council was working to “oppose” AGC applications, under current law it was “very hard” for the civic centre to reject them.

Cllr Erbil said: “We are working hard to prevent more betting shops from opening on our high streets, but as a local authority, our powers are very limited due to existing laws around licensing and gambling premises.

“We know that many local people are worried about Merkur Slots applying to open a new gambling venue in Southgate. We share those concerns and can assure our residents that we are doing everything in our power to prevent more gambling premises on our high streets.

“The leader of the council has joined over 35 other council leaders and campaign groups in signing a letter to the government. The letter asks for urgent changes to the Gambling Act 2005, and it is backed by the cross-party group of MPs that focuses on gambling reform.

“We want our town centres to be lively, safe, and welcoming. We don’t believe gambling shops help achieve that.

“But under the current law, if a gambling business meets all the legal requirements, the council cannot refuse the application. This makes it very hard to stop more gambling venues from opening.”

“We will continue to keep pushing the government to change the law so we can better protect our high streets and communities.”

Jane said SDCV supported the council and residents when it came to improving the area around Southgate Station and believed the area should “remain a centre for shops, restaurants, and community-friendly services that serve the wider population”.

“We would like to see better controls,” she added. “As well as a change in the planning/licensing rules to give local people and councils more powers to protect their communities from potential harm.”

Merkur Slots was approached for comment.

To comment on the plans for an adult gaming centre in Southgate (reference WK/225037225) before the consultation deadline on Wednesday, 17th September:
Email [email protected]

Update (10th September):

A Merkur spokesperson said: “We have submitted an application, and whilst the application is being reviewed, we are not in a position to comment.”

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