Edgware gambling centre decision due after harms emergency

Barnet Council's licensing sub-committee is due to consider an application for a new adult gaming centre in Edgware on Tuesday 3 November. The meeting follows the council's declaration of a 'gambling harms emergency' on 20 October, when it pledged to develop a cross-council strategy to address the issue.

The application for the premises at 226 Station Road, Edgware, has been submitted by Palace Amusements, a subsidiary of East Kent Leasing Limited, which operates over 20 gambling and bingo venues nationwide. The decision comes less than a fortnight after the Labour-led council formally acknowledged the harms associated with gambling.

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Public health objections raised

Barnet Council's public health team has lodged a formal objection to the proposed Edgware venue. The team stated that the application conflicts with licensing objectives aimed at protecting children and vulnerable individuals, and at preventing gambling from becoming a source of crime or disorder. The objection notes that while the application identifies risks, it does not adequately demonstrate that these risks have been assessed or that proposed mitigations would be sufficient to manage the complexities of gambling-related harms in the area.

Officials argued that replacing an existing betting shop with an adult gaming centre would represent a significant increase in exposure to a higher-risk form of gambling. However, a director for East Kent Leasing Limited, Jordan Godden, outlined measures intended to ensure responsible management, including preventing underage access, implementing security and CCTV, managing incidents, and cooperating with authorities.

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Previous planning appeal granted

A planning application for an adult gaming centre at the same Station Road location was initially refused by Barnet Council in February 2024. The decision was later overturned on appeal in December 2024. The appeal resulted in the granting of permission, albeit with reduced operating hours. Current conditions allow operation between 7am and 2am on most days, with a maximum closing time of 6 hours on Sundays and bank holidays. The licensing committee has the power to impose further operating conditions if the licence is approved.

The declaration of a gambling harms emergency followed a motion passed by full council on 20 October, presented by Alison Moore, cabinet member for adult social care and health. Barnet Labour stated that the new strategy aims for a joined-up approach across various council departments and services. The group also urged the government to expedite the activation of local authorities' ability to conduct gambling impact assessments, which would strengthen their capacity to block new gambling facilities.

In a statement following the emergency declaration, Councillor Moore described problem gambling as a serious addiction, a poverty issue for those struggling financially, and a wellbeing issue that can severely impact families.