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.
