Adult Gaming Centre Approved in Bowes Despite Concerns

Enfield Council's licensing sub-committee has approved an application for a new adult gaming centre to open in Bowes, despite councillors expressing personal reservations about gambling establishments. The venue, named 'Palace Amusements', is set to open at 101-109 Green Lanes, occupying the former premises of a florist and an estate agent.

Resident Objections and Council Reservations

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During the hearing, Danielle Barron, representing the Melbourne Avenue Residents’ Group, urged the committee to reject the proposal. As reported by the Enfield Dispatch, Barron described the planned centre as an “inherently predatory” venture and dismissed arguments that it would not pose a risk to vulnerable individuals as “outrageous” and “delusional”.

Committee members shared some of these concerns. Councillor Stephanos Ioannou stated, “Personally my feeling is I don’t like gambling establishments. They thrive off poverty.” However, he acknowledged that the application met the current licensing criteria, leaving the council with limited grounds for refusal. Committee Chair Penny Heathwood remarked that the members had “grappled with some difficulty” and “regrettably had to make the decision, contrary to its preferred option, as it has to comply with the law as it currently stands”.

Applicant's Reassurance and Police Stance

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Jeremy Godden, a director of East Kent Leasing Limited, the company behind Palace Amusements, stated that the business aims to deter problem gamblers. He explained that encouraging individuals who cannot afford to gamble “does not make long-term sense for our business” and described the centres as akin to “the modern day social club” for leisure time. The company's legal advisor, Andrew Woods, also indicated that children are not particularly attracted to such premises and that the venue would offer “an extremely safe environment”.

The Metropolitan Police did not oppose the application and did not send a representative to the meeting. This stance drew frustration from Councillor George Savva, who expressed his disappointment.

Previous Approval and Conditions

East Kent Leasing Limited has previously secured permission for a similar venue in Palmers Green town centre via a planning appeal last year. The approved application for the Bowes site includes several conditions. These mandate recorded staff training to assist in protecting vulnerable individuals and require the display of “clear and visible signage” warning patrons that “harassment or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated”.