The Alcohol and Gambling Subcommittee of Cheltenham Council discussed an application for a premises license for an adult gaming centre, Admiral, at 218 High Street, Cheltenham. The meeting included detailed presentations from both the applicant and the objectors, focusing on the potential impact on crime, disorder, and vulnerable populations.

Application for Premises License for Admiral at 218 High Street

Applicant's Presentation:

• The applicant, Luxury Leisure, trading as Admiral, operates 280 outlets nationwide and has never had a premises license reviewed or revoked.
• The premises will feature a mix of gaming machines, including category B3 machines, which have a maximum stake of £2 and a maximum prize of £500.
• The applicant emphasized their high standards of operation, including a Challenge 25 policy, extensive staff training, and robust security measures such as CCTV and maglocks.
• The applicant argued that their typical clientele, aged 40-50, would not contribute to local crime or disorder.
• They offered to install additional CCTV cameras around the premises to monitor the alleyway and rear of the building.

Objectors' Concerns:

• The objectors, including representatives from St. Matthew's Church and the Minster, highlighted the high levels of crime and antisocial behavior in the area, supported by police crime figures.
• They argued that the presence of an adult gaming centre would exacerbate these issues and attract vulnerable individuals, including those with gambling addictions.
• The objectors requested conditions such as restricted operating hours to match planning permissions (Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 00:00, Sunday 10:00 to 22:00), mandatory door supervision, and double staffing to ensure safety and compliance with licensing objectives.

Discussion Points:

• The committee discussed the necessity of imposing conditions on the license to address the concerns raised by the objectors.
• The applicant maintained that their existing policies and procedures were sufficient to mitigate any potential issues.
• The committee considered the unique licensing objectives under the Gambling Act, which require them to aim to permit the use of premises for gambling unless there is evidence demonstrating that the licensing objectives will not be met.

The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning to deliberate on the application and the proposed conditions.