UPDATE: MEETING POSTPONED Another Harlesden gambling licence application goes to Brent Council Licensing Committee next week

 TODAY A NOTICE WENT UP ON THE BRENT COUNCIL CALENDAR TO SAY THAT THIS MEETING HAS BEEN POSTPONED. NO REASON WAS GIVEN.

 

 The Brent Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee, unlike other Brent committees, is busy meeting this month with two alcohol licence applications and another for a gambling licence. LINK

The latter, on Tuesday August 27th,  is interesting because the applicant, Merkul Slots, applying for a licence for 67 High Street, NW10 4NS, has been able to persuade the Brent Licensing Inspector and Brent Police to withdraw their initial opposition to the application. This has been done by their acceptance of a number of conditions. The conditions are listed here: Licensing Inspector LINK and Police LINK.

However, the Committee will also be considering objections from local councillors led by the Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Mili Patel, and residents:

Councillors' Objections

On behalf of the Harlesden and Kensal Green ward councillors, and also the Roundwood ward councillors, I am writing to lodge a joint objection to the application by Merkur Slots for a Bingo Club Premises Licence.

 

We object to this application because we believe it contravenes the Council’s four licencing objections:

 

1) Preventing crime and disorder

 

Harlesden is a location that is already saturated with betting shops, bingo halls and adult gaming centres. On a six-hundred-metre stretch from Craven Park Road to Harlesden High Street there is currently a total of six gambling premises, with potential for more to come. An additional adult gaming centre is not needed and would further cluster the high street.

 

Evidence has demonstrated that the public health and community safety impacts of gambling are often exacerbated in areas in which clusters of betting shops are located. This means that vulnerable residents are often targeted, anti-social behaviour is increased, and the high street is further impacted.

 

Increasing the density of Harlesden’s gambling cluster will only divert further resources from stretched policing budgets. This is why our dedicated Harlesden Police Force have objected to further gambling premises being opened whenever applications have come up.

 

2) Public Health

 

A stones-throw away from 67 High Street is a homeless shelter. The homeless charity, Crisis, have submitted objections against these types of applications. The negative social, economic, and public health impacts of gambling are well documented.

 

In the Council’s Statement of Principles for Gambling, section 4.5 outlines the importance of protecting vulnerable adults. Within the guidance a persons ‘situation’ is highlighted as needing to be considered, this includes if the individual ‘is experiencing financial difficulties, is homeless, is suffering from domestic or financial abuse, has caring responsibilities, experiences a life change or sudden change in circumstances.’

 

An additional adult gaming centre would, in our view as local representatives, put already vulnerable people at further risk. Moreover, in addition to the homeless shelter, Harlesden is an area with high levels of poverty and deprivation as identified by the Brent Poverty Commission. Granting this application would therefore undermine the Council’s efforts to safeguard vulnerable adults.

 

3) Public Safety

 

The saturation of betting shops and gambling premises also increases the likelihood of crime within the area. Harlesden High Street already has high levels of anti-social behaviour, and an additional adult gaming centre could increase this level and attract further illicit and anti-social activities.

 

A study from nearby Ealing Council explored crime and disorder in relation to gambling premises and found that: ‘as well as reported crime in betting premises being much higher than the controls, there was a clear and statistically significant increase in crime in the vicinity of betting shops, with the greatest correlations at the closest distances from the premises.’

 

We are clear that public safety in our two wards would be undermined if this application were to go through.

 

4) Protecting Children from Harm

 

Harlesden High Steet is a known area for young people to congregate, particularly after school. Whilst Merkur Slots outline that they operate a strict over-18 policy, the proliferation of gambling premises and the consistent visible exposure to them on the high street is likely to increase interest in them and potentially encourage young people to explore gambling opportunities either illegally or when they are of age.

 

We have a duty to ensure that young people are aware of the impacts of gambling. We should follow the principles of Brent’s groundbreaking policy which prevents new fast food outlets opening in close proximity to schools and also prevent gambling sites clustering in these areas.

 

We believe that, for all these reasons the application is in contravention of Brent’s licencing objectives and should be rejected by the committee.

 

Cllr Mili Patel

Deputy Leader of Brent Council

Labour Councillor for Harlesden and Kensal Green Ward

 

Residents' Objections  (There are 21 objections that can be read HERE. This is just one)

 

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to formally object to the application for a gambling licence for the premises located at 67 High Street, Harlesden on the grounds of public safety, health, and wellbeing concerns.

 

As a local resident, I have observed that our area already hosts several gambling

establishments. The saturation of such venues can contribute to several significant issues within our community. An increase in gambling establishments is often correlated with higher incidences of crime and anti-social behaviour. The concentration of such venues can attract criminal activities, including theft, fraud, and other related offenses. This increase in crime not only affects the immediate vicinity of the gambling establishments but can also extend to surrounding residential areas.

 

The presence of multiple gambling venues can compromise public safety. Frequenting these establishments, individuals might become targets of crime, or engage in behaviour that threatens the safety of others. Ensuring the well-being and security of residents should be a priority, and additional gambling venues would undermine these efforts. Moreover, gambling establishments can contribute to noise pollution, littering, and other forms of public nuisance, disrupting the peace and order of the community.

 

Gambling addiction is a serious public health issue that can have devastating effects on individuals and families. The proliferation of gambling venues exacerbates this problem, contributing to mental health issues, financial distress, and family breakdowns. Our community needs more support services and healthier recreational options, not additional gambling facilities.

 

There are several schools in our district, and the presence of a new gambling establishment poses a significant risk to young people. Exposure to gambling at a young age can lead to harmful behaviors and addiction. Ensuring that children and young persons are protected from such influences is paramount for their healthy development. With multiple schools in the vicinity, the establishment of another gambling venue is inappropriate and harmful.

 

Children should not be exposed to gambling-related activities or environments on their way to and from school, as this normalises gambling behaviour and poses a risk to their well- being.

 

In light of these points, I urge Brent Council to reject the application for a gambling licence. The potential negative impact on crime rates, public safety, health, and the welfare of young people far outweighs any benefits that such an establishment might bring.

 

Thank you for considering my objections. I trust that the council will act in the best interest of the community and its residents.

 Brent Council is currently consulting on revised guidelines for Gambling Licensing. This will be covered in a future article.