The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee of Brent Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 17 June 2026. The primary item on the agenda is an application for an Adult Gaming Centre by 312 Investments Ltd for the premises known as Vault Casino.

Application for an Adult Gaming Centre at Vault Casino

The Sub-Committee is set to consider an application from 312 Investments Ltd for a premises licence to operate an Adult Gaming Centre (AGC) at Vault Casino, located at 574 High Road, Wembley, HA0 2AA. The application is being made under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

The report pack details the application, which includes the applicant's name, the proposed trading name of Vault Casino, and the premises' address. It notes that representations have been received and withdrawn from the Police and Licensing Officers, but outstanding representations remain from councillors, Members of Parliament, Public Health, and local residents.

The applicant, 312 Investments Ltd, has submitted a comprehensive Social Responsibility and Compliance Pack, along with a Local Area Risk Assessment (LARA). These documents outline the company's policies and procedures designed to promote the licensing objectives, including preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and protecting children and vulnerable persons from harm. The LARA specifically addresses local risks in Wembley Central, considering factors such as deprivation, proximity to schools and community services, and the concentration of existing gambling venues.

The application details the proposed operational controls, including CCTV systems, a Think 25 age verification policy, refusal logs, independent test purchasing, minimum staffing levels, continuous customer monitoring, a policy for banning disorderly customers, restrictions on alcohol consumption, and procedures for handling intoxicated individuals. It also outlines measures for toilet checks, the display of responsible gambling information, staff training, and an incident log.

Numerous representations have been submitted by interested parties, including local residents, councillors, and Members of Parliament, all objecting to the application. These objections frequently cite concerns about the saturation of gambling premises in the Wembley area, the potential for increased crime and anti-social behaviour, the normalisation of gambling, and the specific risks to children and vulnerable individuals in a deprived community. Reports such as High Streets at Stake by the Social Market Foundation and Ending a Losing Streak by More in Common are referenced to support these concerns.

Silvertime Amusements Limited, an existing operator of gambling premises in the vicinity, has also submitted a representation. Their objection is based on the assertion that the application is not reasonably consistent with the licensing objectives, codes of practice, and Brent's Statement of Gambling Policy, particularly concerning crime and disorder, fair and open conduct, and the protection of children and vulnerable persons. They argue that the applicant's LARA is inadequate and does not demonstrate a sufficient understanding of the local area or the necessary measures to promote the licensing objectives.

The Metropolitan Police, represented by Sergeant Michael Sullivan, initially made representations requesting additional conditions, including the installation of a Maglock on the entrance, specific hours for SIA-licensed staff, personal fob alarms for lone workers, and locked toilet doors. However, following discussions with the applicant and their representative, agreement was reached on these proposed conditions, leading to the withdrawal of the police's representations. The Licensing Authority, through Edwin Maldoom, Licensing Enforcement Officer, has also indicated that, subject to the agreement on proposed conditions, they have no objections to the application.

The applicant's additional information submission highlights the experience of Maxwell Davitt, a director and owner with approximately 30 years of involvement in the UK amusement and gaming industry, including previous successful operation of AGCs in Brent. The submission also provides industry background, statistics on gambling participation and premises, and argues that AGCs are distinct from online gambling and betting shops, with different risk profiles and operational characteristics. It emphasizes the robust regulatory framework governing AGCs and the applicant's commitment to compliance and responsible operation. The submission also references case law, including Daniel Thwaites plc v Wirral Borough Magistrates' Court and Future Leisure Limited v London Borough of Haringey, to support the argument that decisions should be evidence-based and proportionate, and that generalized concerns should not override operational safeguards.

The agenda also includes standard procedural items such as apologies for absence and declarations of interest.