Despite concerns over its impact on vulnerable people, councillors approved an application they wished they could have refused, reports Joe Ives, Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors have approved another new 24-hour gambling venue despite raising concerns it will exploit vulnerable people and turn the local area “into Las Vegas”.
Enfield Council’s licensing sub-committee “regrettably” approved the controversial application for a new adult gaming centre in Bowes following a hearing yesterday (Wednesday 22nd).
The ‘Palace Amusements’ venue is planned to open between 101 and 109 Green Lanes, replacing both a former florist and an estate agent on the corner with Melbourne Avenue.
At the meeting, Danielle Barron from Melbourne Avenue Residents’ Group urged councillors to reject the application, warning the adult gaming centre would be an “inherently predatory” venture.
Last year, East Kent Leasing Limited, the company behind the application, also controversially won permission – via a planning appeal – to open a similar venue further north along Green Lanes, in Palmers Green town centre.
The firm’s legal advisor Andrew Woods said that “children are not particularly attracted to these premises” and that the venue would provide “an extremely safe environment”.
Woods is part of the legal firm Woods Whur, which describes itself as “your legal partner for gambling legislation advice and support”.
But Barron dismissed arguments that the new site would not pose a risk to vulnerable people, describing them as “outrageous” and “delusional”.
Jeremy Godden, a director of East Kent Leasing Limited, responded to concerns about the venue’s impact on the local area.
“We don’t want anyone to gamble to extremes,” Godden argued, adding that his business actively tries to identify and deter people who may be problem gamblers.
“We know our regulars,” he added, telling councillors that encouraging people to gamble who can’t afford it “does not make long-term sense for our business”.
Godden is responsible for more than 20 gambling and bingo operations around the country and described his adult gaming centres as “the modern day social club”.
“People are coming in for their leisure time – no different from a bowling alley,” he added.
Committee member Stephanos Ioannou said: “Personally my feeling is I don’t like gambling establishments. They thrive off poverty.”
However, Cllr Ioannou acknowledged the application was “solid” and argued there was little that the council could do at present if applications meet licensing criteria.
The Metropolitan Police did not oppose the application – and did not send a representative to the meeting.
Committee member George Savva expressed his frustration with the Met and said: “If the police want to turn Green Lanes into Las Vegas, let them do it!”
In the end, it took over two hours for the committee to approve an application that it ultimately wished it could have refused.
Chair Penny Heathwood said members had “grappled with some difficulty” in reaching their verdict and that the committee “regrettably had to make the decision, contrary to its preferred option, as it has to comply with the law as it currently stands”.
Addressing those attending, she said “I’m sorry to those for whom the decision didn’t go your way.
“To the applicant: I wish you success, but I do encourage you to proceed with caution and care.”
The application was granted with multiple conditions, including recorded staff training to help ensure the safety of vulnerable people, including women and girls.
“Clear and visible signage” must also be displayed to warn patrons that “harassment or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated,” said Cllr Heathwood.
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