The Licensing Sub Committee D of Hackney Council met on Tuesday 03 March 2026 to consider an application for a betting premises licence. The meeting's agenda included the procedural aspects of licensing hearings and a specific application for a betting shop.

Application for a Betting Premises Licence: Jenningsbet, 157 Stoke Newington High Street, London N16 0NY

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a Betting (other than track) Premises Licence for Jenningsbet, located at 157 Stoke Newington High Street, London N16 0NY. This application was made by Betting Shop Operations Limited, trading as Jenningsbet. The premises were previously occupied by Ladbrokes, which surrendered its licence in March 2024.

The report pack indicated that no representations were received from the Environmental Health Authority, the Gambling Commission, HM Revenue & Customs, the Planning Authority, the Area Child Protection Officer, the Fire Authority, or the Police. However, an observation was received from David Tuitt, Business Regulation Team Leader for Hackney Council, and four representations were received from local residents.

The resident representations raised concerns about the number of existing gambling and betting locations in the area, the impact on the high street's recovery following structural issues in 2023, and the general desirability of encouraging businesses with more positive community benefits. One representation also noted that gambling can be an addiction and suggested that the council should be encouraging businesses that offer more positive benefits to the local society. Another representation highlighted issues of poverty, substance abuse, and anti-social behaviour in the area, questioning the message sent by endorsing another betting shop.

Jenningsbet, the applicant, stated that they have held an operating licence since the Gambling Act 2005 came into force and have a range of approved policies and procedures in place, including an Operating Strategy, AML/CTF policies, and a Social Responsibility Gambling Policy. They highlighted their experience as an operator and their commitment to promoting the licensing objectives. The applicant's case summary argued that general objections to gambling, moral objections, or the number of existing gambling premises are not legally relevant grounds for refusal under the Gambling Act 2005.

The report pack detailed the statutory considerations under the Gambling Act 2005, including the requirement for licensing authorities to aim to permit gambling premises where it is in accordance with codes of practice, guidance, and the licensing objectives. The report also outlined the local considerations, referencing Hackney's Statement of Licensing Policy and specific policies related to assessing local risk, preventing crime and disorder, ensuring fair and open gambling, and protecting children and vulnerable persons.

The officer observations suggested that if the Sub-Committee were minded to approve the application, certain conditions should be attached to the licence. These included standard conditions for all premises licences, mandatory conditions, and default conditions for betting premises licences, such as restrictions on operating hours and the display of notices.

The report also included a detailed Local Area Risk Assessment prepared by Jenningsbet, which identified potential risks in the area, including the proximity of schools, gambling addiction support facilities, and alcohol/drug support facilities. The assessment outlined the control measures Jenningsbet proposed to implement, such as CCTV, alarm systems, staff training, and customer interaction policies, to mitigate these risks and promote the licensing objectives.

The committee was presented with options to either refuse the application or approve it with any necessary conditions or restrictions.

Licensing Sub-Committee Hearing Procedure

The meeting also included a review of the Licensing Sub-Committee Hearing Procedure, as detailed in the document Hearing Procedure Gambling Premises. This procedure outlines the steps involved in hearings under the Licensing Act 2003, Gambling Act 2005, and Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. It covers the appointment of a chair, the presentation of cases by applicants, responsible authorities, and interested parties, followed by discussion, closing remarks, and the committee's consideration and announcement of a decision. The procedure also details how hearings are conducted remotely and the rights of parties to attend and speak.

Temporary Event Notices - Standing Item

A standing item on Temporary Event Notices was also listed on the agenda, with details to follow.