Enfield Council Approves New Adult Gaming Centre
A controversial application for a new venue on Green Lanes has been granted with conditions.
Trust 56Craft 87Hype 48How this was reported ▾
Only named persons and council body cited; lacks documents or multiple outlets, giving a moderate trust score.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
Provides many quotes and specific details, but offers limited follow‑up on future actions.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
Headline uses Las Vegas metaphor, and article leans heavily on emotive quotes, creating noticeable sensationalism.
How far presentation runs ahead of substance. Lower is better.
1 source assessed · methodology
Enfield Council's licensing sub-committee has approved an application for a new adult gaming centre in Bowes. The venue, to be named Palace Amusements, is planned to occupy premises on Green Lanes that were formerly occupied by a florist and an estate agent.
Resident and Councillor Concerns
Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood scheme paused pending review
Transport for London funding for next phase is on hold as council re-evaluates project elements.
During a hearing on July 22, a representative from the Melbourne Avenue Residents’ Group, Danielle Barron, urged councillors to reject the proposal. Ms Barron described the planned centre as an 'inherently predatory' venture. Committee member Stephanos Ioannou expressed personal disapproval of gambling establishments, stating they 'thrive off poverty'. However, he acknowledged the application met licensing criteria, limiting the council's options. Committee member George Savva voiced frustration with the Metropolitan Police's lack of opposition.
The company behind the application, East Kent Leasing Limited, has experience with similar venues. Last year, the firm successfully obtained permission for an adult gaming centre in Palmers Green town centre through a planning appeal. The company's legal advisor, Andrew Woods, stated that the proposed venue would provide 'an extremely safe environment' and that children are not typically attracted to such premises. Jeremy Godden, a director of East Kent Leasing Limited, explained that the business aims to identify and deter problem gamblers, as encouraging excessive gambling is not beneficial long-term. He described his company's adult gaming centres as 'the modern day social club'.
Decision and Conditions
Sunseeker Holiday Homes enters administration
The Hull-based manufacturer, founded in 2019, has appointed administrators, putting 76 jobs at risk.
After lengthy deliberation, the sub-committee approved the application. Chair Penny Heathwood stated that members 'regrettably had to make the decision, contrary to its preferred option, as it has to comply with the law as it currently stands'. The Metropolitan Police did not oppose the application and did not send a representative to the meeting. The approval was granted with several conditions. These include mandatory staff training to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals and the display of 'clear and visible signage' indicating that harassment or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.
The council's decision was met with regret by some members, who felt constrained by current legislation. The applicant was encouraged by the chair to 'proceed with caution and care'.
Questions this report answers
+What objections did residents raise about the new gaming centre?
Residents' groups, including the Melbourne Avenue Residents’ Group, argued the venue was 'inherently predatory' and could exploit vulnerable individuals. Councillor Stephanos Ioannou also criticised gambling establishments for 'thriving off poverty', reflecting community concerns about the centre's impact.
+What conditions did the council impose on the approval?
The council granted approval with conditions including mandatory staff training to protect vulnerable individuals and clear signage stating harassment or inappropriate behaviour would not be tolerated. These measures aim to ensure safety and deter misconduct within the venue.
+Has this company opened similar venues before?
Yes, East Kent Leasing Limited previously secured permission for an adult gaming centre in Palmers Green through a planning appeal. The company has experience operating such venues, which influenced the council's decision-making process.
Barnet Press News Desk
This article was written at the Barnet Press news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs Barnet PressCorrections
Barnet conditions
Loading live conditions…
More Coverage in World
Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood scheme paused pending review
Sunseeker Holiday Homes enters administration
