Purpose

Background:

The former operator of the Large Casino in Milton Keynes, Aspers,
has gone into administration. Merkur Casino Entertainment UK
Limited have applied to transfer this large casino licence into
their name.
A transfer application shall be granted unless an objection is
received by a relevant party. In this instance the Licensing
Authority initially made representation, however the representation
was resolved and therefore withdrawn, permitting the granting of
the transfer application.

Reason for decision:

Section 188 of the Gambling Act 2005 states: “A licensing
authority shall grant an application for transfer unless they think
it would be wrong to do so having regard to representations made
under section 161”.

Although an initial representation was made by the Licensing
Authority, in respect of missing details as required by the Act,
the matters were resolved, and the representation was withdrawn.
The resolved matters were as follows:

a) the Schedule 9 Agreement is considered to have substantially the
same effect as the previous Schedule 9 Agreement;

b) the date for when the application is to have effect will be the
22 August 2025; and

c) the relevant condition 3 on the premises licence relating to
Schedule 9 has been amended as required.

Consequently officers will grant the transfer application under
delegated powers.

Content

That the Large Casino Premises Licence at
Xscape Entertainment Complex, 602 Marlborough Gate, be transferred
to Merkur Casino Entertainment UK Limited.

Alternative options considered

Practically, there are no alternatives, as
there no objections to the transfer so it must be made.