Spreading to our high street - a nasty rash?

Published: 17 February 2021

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This report has been edited and the presentation updated to take account of new information obtained since it was originally published. Thanks to Cllr Dinah Barry for help in obtaining the new information. (The original version can be viewed here.)

merkur slots show interior

How Intergame announced the launch of a "rash" of Merkur Slots arcades

In July last year a trade journal serving the "coin-op amusement, casino and igaming industries" reported that a German company was opening a "rash of new UK arcades" using the Merkur Slots brand name. It now turns out that one of the town centres where the rash will be breaking out is Palmers Green, and some locals are not at all "amused" about the prospect of the new arcade.

The premises where Merkur Slots is planning to open a new branch is 292/292A Green Lanes N13 5TW, in the same block as the former Store 21. Its last tenant was a betting shop. A small notice was attached to the outside of the building in December, notifying passers-by that Cashino Gambling Ltd were applying for a Bingo Premises Licence and giving a deadline of 27 December last year for objections.

At the time of writing it is known that planning permission has been obtained but it is unclear whether the Bingo Premises Licence has been granted.

Residents raise the alarm

The exterior of the Palmers Green arcade - from the planning documentation (click on the image to enlarge)

Palmers Green Community has been sent a copy of an email to councillors in Palmers Green and Southgate Green wards from a group of residents concerned about the plan to open what will clearly not be a "Bingo Premises", but rather a gambling arcade. They claim that the notice attached to the empty shop did not meet the specifications laid down by the council and are therefore requesting advice from the councillors about how to challenge the licensing decision. They also point out that the period during which objections could be lodged was at a time when Covid-19 cases were particularly high and people were staying at home.

"Dear Councillors..."

In their email to councillors the residents state that "The majority of local people are still unaware that Palmers Green shopping centre will be subjected to a 24-hour slot machine arcade with bright neon signs on the outside, under the guise of an application for ‘Bingo’, which is highly misleading."

They attach photographs as evidence that the notice did not meet Enfield Council's specifications: it was printed on white, not pale blue, paper using a font size smaller than the minimum required 16 point.

As regards the effect on the town centre, the residents say that four betting shops is already more than enough:

"With unemployment and youth disengagement at the highest level it has been for years, it is irresponsible for Enfield Council to give its approval to a 24-hour gambling centre. This is likely to profit at the expense of those in society who least can afford it, whilst increasing the likelihood of antisocial behaviour and problem gambling.

"As part of the ‘New Local Plan,’ Enfield was tasked with supporting the community in regenerating our shopping area with innovative and creative ideas, not allow our once thriving High Street to deteriorate into a string of betting shops and amusement arcades. This kind of establishment signals the decline of an area, not regeneration. It will be detrimental to the plans to re-imagine Palmers Green and make it an attractive place to shop and relax."

Where are we now with the applications?

bingo licence application The planning application for a change of use of the premises from betting shop (Sui Generis) to an adult gaming centre (Sui Generis) was granted on 29th January (reference 20/03849/FUL). A separate application for the installation of 3x internally illuminated fascia signs and 1x non-illuminated fascia sign (reference 20/03850/ADV) was granted on the same date. (To see the applications and related documents go to the planning register and use the search function.)

Separate to these planning applications is an application for a Bingo Premises Licence. In addition to the (possibly non-compliant) notice on the premises, an advert, in particularly small print, was carried by the Enfield Independent during the first two weeks of December 2020. (This is reproduced here enlarged and rearranged into two columns for legibility.)

At the request of concerned residents of Winchmore Hill ward, Cllr Dinah Barry has made some enquiries with council officers. Her interpretation of their advice is that it might still be possible to submit objections to the licensing application on the following grounds:

Prevention of crime and disorder
Public Safety
Prevention of Public nuisance
Protection of children from harm..

Useful links on the council website

Premises licence for gambling

Gambling Act 2005: LBE Statement of Principles 5th Edition January 2019

Posts in discussion: Spreading to our high street - a nasty rash?

Shirley Rose posted a reply

#5870

17 Feb 2021 23:12

We feel strongly that we need to try to oppose this development. As we speak, local councillors are contacting the licensing department and Bambos has also offered to help. What do people think?

Colin Younger posted a reply

#5871

17 Feb 2021 23:41

It's a bad idea. It will be detrimental to any attempt to improve Palmers Green. Can the proposed opening hours be checked? What do local traders think?

To read the officers' report go to the planning portal then search for 20/03849/FUL. Then click on Documents. Then View the first document, just called Report.

Denise Donoghue posted a reply

#5872

18 Feb 2021 07:10

The gambling industry preys on vulnerable people, particularly at this difficult time, when unemployment is soaring and many have lost their incomes. It is associated with increased crime, disorder, noise and anti-social behaviour and will drag the area down. I strongly object to this proposed development.

Matthew Fitzsimmons posted a reply

#5873

18 Feb 2021 07:15

This is a terrible idea and will undo a lot of the positive work the local community groups have been doing.

Elizabeth Robinson posted a reply

#5874

18 Feb 2021 08:40

I entirely agree with the above comments. I have written to our local councillors and our MP. I did lodge a complaint with the council through the official channels but a few days after the consultation window closed, however was still able to object.
I think the fact that the planning notice was displayed at a time when the government ordered everyone to ‘stay at home’ means that so many people missed the notice which seems somewhat unreasonable.

Shirley Rose posted a reply

#5875

18 Feb 2021 08:53

Please spread the word and notify your local community groups- we are considering a petition in the near future

Dan Baer posted a reply

#5876

18 Feb 2021 09:37

This is a disgrace! At a time when so many problem gamblers are struggling to deal with their addiction. This will have a very detrimental effect on our community and I would have objected strongly if I had been aware of this application.

Tunay Hussein posted a reply

#5877

18 Feb 2021 10:04

I strongly object to this project. This is a large space in the High Street and will dominate the area . The idea that a den to encourage more gambling when the area already has several betting shops is ridiculous. Such poor decision making by the councillors. They should be encouraging family friendly businesses and better amenities. Surely there are better and healthier ways to regenerate Palmers Green? I wonder if one of the local newspapers could initiate and lead on a campaign with residents. Will our local councillors and MP campaign against this development and support a widespread consultation as soon as possible.

Margaret Miller posted a reply

#5878

18 Feb 2021 10:33

I think this is a very worrying development. Our shopping street is normally a busy shopping centre. People of all ages from our community use it every day, and with the various nearby transport links, lots of young people pass along it too. Tempting people into gambling businesses such as this, which would possibly attract a different group of people from those drawn already to the existing betting shops, would be detrimental to the wellbeing of our community, and to the wellbeing of the individuals concerned. I strongly oppose it and would urge the councillors to review and reverse this decision.

Norberto Valbuena posted a reply

#5880

18 Feb 2021 13:53

How on earth has the council allowed this to get through. As I've seen it was badly advertised, I would suspect intentionally and this is not welcomed. After all the issues around Paddy Power and the dealers hanging out there also the reduction in bookmakers on the high street, those left will have reduced usage on their machines, the council officials deem it appropriate to pass an unwanted and unwarranted business like this dealing misery.
Please don't tell me "at least its another shop in use" The only people benefiting is the landlord and Merkur Slots (just the sort of name we want advertised on the High St). I disspear of this council.

PGC Webmaster posted a reply

#5884

18 Feb 2021 22:23

After being sent some more information, I've rewritten some parts of the original article that these comments refer to. While planning permission for change of use and the new illuminated fascias have been granted, there is less certainty about the gambling licence.

Click here to read the new version.

Any comments earlier than this one will have been made on the basis of the original version of the report.

Karl Brown posted a reply

#5888

19 Feb 2021 10:07

And the approving report includes being based on, “proposals which foster a diversified evening economy”. So it’s 3am and you can now use slot machines and then wander across the north circular to PG south side to buy your aubergine at a 24hr grocer, hence capturing both geographic and functional diversity. Result!
Perhaps the intent is it becoming a flagship for PG’s regeneration? …”to stimulate the night time economy….”. My recollection is of several high street outlets seeking to “stimulate the evening economy” in their own way, inevitably being subject to police reports, council fines or closing down for one reason or another, often the other.
… “in keeping with the character of the surrounding area….”, that’s the surrounding area with no 24hr economy. Curious.
Surely not the regeneration start so many have worked for and hoped for.

Shirley Rose posted a reply

#5890

19 Feb 2021 17:59

The petition sup and running to press the council to reopen the consultation
Please sign and share

http://www.change.org/stopPGmerkurslots

Stephen Clayton posted a reply

#5891

19 Feb 2021 19:44

This development is a terrible idea. PG will drop further from being a secondary shopping centre. We have a multi de of betting shops already. We know that slot machines are highly addictive and that there are restrictions on them in betting shops. This premises started life as a cinema, Tesco’s were there for many years and then a fashion outlet. Who on the council approved this? The council should be concerned about the forthcoming local elections if this goes ahead. Let’s have a more imaginative solution that is good for the community not one that destroys it.

Shirley Rose posted a reply

#5892

20 Feb 2021 11:49

Dear Ms Rose,

I wanted to give you a fuller response on the above issue.

I note and share your concerns about the proposed gambling premises.

I have taken up the issue with officers and I am trying to explore whether it is at all possible to get a review of the decision. I have a meeting planned with officers early next week.

In many respects, however, the Council’s hands are tied by the Gambling Act. There was a similar issue in Edmonton, but, again the law seems to be in favour of the gambling establishments.

Neither the licensing nor the planning framework provides Councils with very effective powers to limit the number of gambling premises in their areas, and many betting shops have been long established some time ago.

The fact that the premises were formerly a William Hill betting shop means there was no need for planning permission. The licence is granted under the Gambling Act. The licensing regime, in particular, legally requires Councils ‘to aim to permit’ gambling premises, and so is a fundamental obstacle to objections.

The licensing and planning team have tried to exercise as much control as possible of betting shops within the constraints of the legislation. Just about 15 years ago there were 80 licensed betting shops in the borough, there are now 75.

The Gambling Act has limited grounds to refuse a betting shop licence. They can be refused if they do not meet the licensing objectives – these are:

preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime,
ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way, and
protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

There is no ability under the Act to control the concentration (or clustering) of gambling premises. But, the Council has its statement of principles to try to control the impact of these premises, such as the impact on children, vulnerable persons and socio-economic indicators. Conditions have been developed to protect children and problem gambling.

I have seen the petition circulating from change.org and I would be more than happy to sign it if it were directed at the person who could change the law on gambling – ie. Oliver Dowden MP, Secretary of State. The Leader of Enfield Council, just like the Leader of any other Council, is not able to interfere in planning or licensing decisions – it is against local government legislation for any member of the executive to do so.

Best wishes,

Cllr Mary Maguire
Palmers Green Ward

Shirley Rose posted a reply

#5893

20 Feb 2021 11:51

Message from Cllr Barry

Dear Shirley,

I have discussed with my colleague. He makes the following points and is happy to discuss with you over the phone:

The application would have been sent to councillors and to the police.
The application is for a gaming licence which is the same whether it’s bingo or slot machines.
The police, the Licensing Authority, and the councillors did not raise any objections.
The bases for objections to such an application would be Crime and Disorder (and possibly harm to Children). Those objections would need to be based on evidence and with a new application there can be none. It would therefore have bn hard to refuse the application.
If there was something glaringly wrong in the application the police would have objected.
He thinks that a close reading of the licence will show that they do not intend to operate 24/7 (even if they are licenced for those hours) and that suitable measures will be given to prevent crime.
A Judicial review is unlikely to be successful. The small advertisements and the timing are unlikely to be considered sufficient reason for overturning the decision. This is an experienced company so they are likely to have followed a process they have used before. There is no legal requirement for the size of the press advert. The one in the window must be A4 or larger.
It was a betting shop before so Planning would have gone through easily because no change of use is involved.

Next steps:

Look closely at the licence to check that there are measures given to prevent crime and disorder.
Gather evidence of any problems caused and/or any failure of the measures promised, once it opens – allow at least six months before asking for a licence review. Be sure you have good evidence, a failed review will make a second review more difficult.
The police will also be monitoring so should be ahead of you!
PG residents could complain to the PG councillors that they should have drawn their attention to the application (they may have done so but only informed residents who gave GDPR permissions).

There may have been no chance of a successful objection to the application but the Leader of the Council promised a revival of PG High Street and this is not what you expected.

I know that Cllr. Oykener has been dealing with personal problems because of serious health issues in his family. I do not know about issues Cllrs. Maguire or Leaver may be dealing with. Both Cllrs Maguire and Leaver hold Special Responsibility Allowances in the current administration. Details are on the council web site.

I hope that is helpful. Please let me know if you want to speak with my colleague,

Dinah

Neil Littman posted a reply

#5911

28 Feb 2021 13:27

Hi, I have decided to bypass the petition and write directly to the leader of Enfield Councils follows about the matter though may also contact our local MP.

Dear Nesil,

I am writing to ask a question about the proposal to open a branch of Merkur Slots in Palmers Green.

There has been a lot of debate about the subject on Next Door social media and it was stated that the council are ‘powerless’ to do anything about the proposal.

I did a bit of research and there are two other branch proposals that have gone to appeal due to objections by local council. Both in 2020.

The main one is in Blackburn Town Centre.

http://www.casinoguardian.co.uk/2020/12/15/merkur-cashino-appeals-blackburn-councils-decision-to-reject-proposed-gaming-arcade/

There is also an appeal by Newbury Council going on so it seems it is possible to prevent this happening.

In Blackburn the only beneficial reason Merkur could give was it would create 6 jobs. I don’t think that is very impressive when there are other more socially viable businesses.

Personally I don’t think places like this add anything beneficial to an area. There are 179 branches of the company in the UK and they already have sites in Tottenham and Edmonton so you can see where they are going with this expansion.

If anything they make areas worse and are well known for being centres where drug dealing and anti-social behaviour take place plus they often keep very long opening hours (or will do when lockdown is lifted) In fact they are usually open much longer hours than betting shops.

Anyway, I hope you will intervene and prevent this proposal going ahead.

Kind regards,

Neil Littman

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