The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council granted a new premises licence for Silvertime Amusements to operate an Adult Gaming Centre at 177-179 Earl's Court Road, London, SW5 9RE. The committee decided to grant the application, subject to a list of mandatory and specific conditions designed to promote the licensing objectives.

Adult Gaming Centre Premises Licence Granted for Silvertime Amusements

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence to Silvertime Amusements Limited for an Adult Gaming Centre at 177-179 Earl's Court Road, London, SW5 9RE. The application was made under section 159 of the Gambling Act 2005.

The committee decided to grant the application, subject to mandatory conditions and a list of specific conditions deemed necessary to promote the licensing objectives. These conditions include:

• No gambling activities to take place until the premises licence for 169 Earl's Court Road has been surrendered.
• An SIA licensed door supervisor to be employed at the front entrance at all times the premises is open for gambling.
• A direct telephone number to the premises manager to be available at all times and provided to residents and businesses in the vicinity.
• Installation and maintenance of a comprehensive CCTV system meeting police requirements, covering all entry/exit points, continuously recording while the premises are open, and storing recordings for a minimum of 31 days.
• A staff member conversant with the CCTV system operation to be on the premises at all times when open, able to provide recordings to police or authorised officers with minimal delay.
• Refusal of entry to customers who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Prominent display of GamCare documentation and notices promoting responsible gambling, in English and any other appropriate languages.
• Provision of induction and refresher training for all staff, including local risk assessments, drug and alcohol awareness, and problem gambler interaction.
• Formal recording of staff training, available for inspection.
• Maintenance of an incident log detailing crimes reported, complaints received, incidents of disorder, CCTV faults, visits by authorities, patron ejections, and drug or weapon seizures.
• Organisation of meetings with residents, ward councillors, and residents' associations at least once every six months to discuss the operation of the premises.

The committee considered the application and the numerous representations received, both orally and in writing. A significant number of objections were lodged by local residents, ward councillors, and residents' associations, citing concerns about the potential for increased crime and disorder, the impact on vulnerable persons and children, the cumulative effect of existing gambling premises in the area, and the prominent location of the proposed venue.

Despite the strong opposition and concerns raised, the committee concluded that the application was reasonably consistent with the licensing objectives. They noted that while the new premises would be larger and in a more prominent location, the applicant had operated a premises for ten years without complaint and had submitted a detailed Local Area Risk Assessment. The committee also highlighted the absence of objections from responsible authorities, such as the Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Team.

The committee acknowledged the public interest in the expeditious disposal of the case and did not consider it necessary to grant an adjournment, as they were satisfied that all representations within the statutory timeframe had been included and that they possessed sufficient information to make a decision.

The decision to grant the licence was made after careful consideration of all individual circumstances, the Act, the Codes of Practice and Guidance issued by the Gambling Commission, and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Statement of Gambling Policy. The committee expressed sympathy with the concerns raised by objectors regarding crime and anti-social behaviour in Earl's Court but found the evidence connecting these issues directly to the existing premises insufficient to justify refusal. They also considered the protection of children and vulnerable persons to be the most finely balanced objective, but concluded that the applicant's proposed measures, including age verification and the conditions attached to the licence, were sufficient to promote this objective.

The committee also noted that it was not their role to question the statutory framework of the Gambling Act 2005, and that amendments to the Act were a matter for Parliament.

The licence is granted subject to the conditions specified in the decision document. Parties unhappy with the decision are entitled to appeal to the Magistrates' Court within 21 days of notification of the full reasoned decision.