The Licensing Sub-Committee of Enfield Council granted a new premises licence for an Adult Gaming Centre (AGC) at Palace Amusement, 101-109 Green Lanes, London, N13 4SP. Despite significant objections from local residents, businesses, and ward councillors citing concerns about crime, anti-social behaviour, and the protection of vulnerable individuals, the committee found insufficient grounds under the Gambling Act 2005 to refuse the application. The Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority had withdrawn their initial representations after the applicant agreed to enhanced conditions.

Palace Amusement, 101-109 Green Lanes, London, N13 4SP

The committee granted a new premises licence for an Adult Gaming Centre (AGC) at Palace Amusement, located at 101-109 Green Lanes, London, N13 4SP. The application was made by East Kent Leasing Limited, who already operate another AGC in Palmers Green without any identified licensing violations.

The decision to grant the licence was made after extensive consideration of numerous representations from local residents, businesses, and ward councillors. These objections primarily focused on concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children and vulnerable persons. Specific worries included the potential for increased anti-social behaviour, loitering, noise disturbance, and the proximity of the proposed venue to schools, nurseries, and facilities for vulnerable adults. Many objectors highlighted the existing saturation of gambling premises in the area, with 18 betting shops and AGCs within a 1.5-mile radius, and argued that a new 24-hour operation would exacerbate these issues.

However, the Licensing Sub-Committee (LSC) found that while they acknowledged these concerns, there was insufficient evidence under the Gambling Act 2005 to refuse the application. The LSC noted that the Bowes Ward was not designated as a Gambling Vulnerability Area. Crucially, both the Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority had withdrawn their initial representations after the applicant agreed to a number of additional licence conditions. These conditions included enhanced CCTV coverage, strict Challenge 25 age verification procedures, third-party compliance testing, comprehensive staff training, incident recording, crime prevention measures, minimum staffing levels, and specific measures to safeguard vulnerable persons, including signing up to the Mayor of London's Women's Night Safety Charter.

The LSC considered relevant case law, including Royal Amusements v Sheffield City Council and Future Leisure Ltd v London Borough of Haringey, and concluded that the application was capable of being granted in accordance with Section 153 of the Gambling Act 2005, Gambling Commission Guidance, and the Council's Statement of Principles 2025-2028. The committee found that while the applicant's existing premises in Palmers Green had experienced a single incident, this was insufficient evidence to conclude that the proposed new premises would lead to elevated levels of crime and disorder. Regarding the protection of children and vulnerable persons, the LSC was satisfied that the mitigation measures within the applicant's Local Area Risk Assessment and proposed operating procedures were sufficient to address identified risks.

The LSC granted the application subject to the following additional conditions:

• The premises licence holder must sign up to and implement the Mayor of London's Women's Night Safety Charter.
• All staff, including security, must attend WAVE training (or similar) on recognising, responding to, and preventing harassment and sexual violence.
• All staff must undertake induction and refresher training (at least every six months) relating to the prevention of violence against women and girls.
• Clear and visible signage must be displayed throughout the premises and external areas regarding harassment and inappropriate behaviour, with information on how to report concerns.
• A procedure for reporting, recording, and addressing complaints related to harassment or safety concerns must be maintained, including discreet reporting methods.
• The premises licence holder shall facilitate access to safe and reliable transport options.
• The premises licence holder shall participate in relevant local authority initiatives, violence reduction partnerships, and engagement arrangements with law enforcement agencies.

The LSC noted that no representation was received from Public Health within the statutory consultation period.