The Licensing Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday 2 July 2026 to consider an application for an Adult Gaming Centre Premises Licence. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the application for a licence at 1393 London Road, SW16 4AN, which was detailed in a report pack provided to attendees.

Gambling Act 2005 - Application for an Adult Gaming Centre Premises Licence at 1393 London Road, SW16 4AN

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for an Adult Gaming Centre Premises Licence at 1393 London Road, SW16 4AN. The report pack provided to the committee members outlined the purpose of the meeting, which was to determine whether to grant this application. The applicant, MERKUR Slots UK Ltd, had submitted detailed operational standards and a local area risk assessment. These documents highlighted the company's commitment to responsible gambling, including staff training on safeguarding, customer interaction policies, and the provision of self-exclusion schemes. The applicant also detailed their security measures, such as CCTV, maglock systems, and a staff guard system, to address concerns about crime and disorder.

The report pack also included a significant number of representations from interested parties, including local residents, community groups, and elected officials. These objections raised concerns regarding the proximity of the proposed venue to schools and residential areas, the potential for increased crime and anti-social behaviour, and the cumulative impact of having multiple gambling establishments in the vicinity. Specific concerns were also raised about the protection of children and vulnerable individuals, as well as the potential for public nuisance due to extended operating hours.

The applicant's submission included a skeleton argument from their counsel, Sarah Le Fevre, which detailed the company's experience, regulatory compliance, and adherence to the Gambling Act 2005 principles. The applicant highlighted their G4 Global Gambling Guidance Group accreditation for responsible gambling and provided witness statements from their Head of Compliance and Operations Director. They also detailed their operational standards, including staff training, customer interaction policies, and self-exclusion procedures. The applicant noted that no representations had been received from responsible authorities, such as the Police or the Gambling Commission.

The report pack also contained a Local Area Risk Assessment, which identified potential risks to the licensing objectives and the control measures in place to mitigate them. This assessment considered factors such as local crime statistics, the proximity of schools and other establishments, and the demographic profile of the area. The applicant's operational standards and training documentation were also provided, demonstrating their approach to social responsibility and compliance.

Additionally, supplementary agendas were provided, including further information from the applicant and representations from interested parties. These documents elaborated on the concerns raised by objectors, including specific instances of regulatory breaches by Merkur Slots UK Ltd and the potential impact on vulnerable residents. The applicant's counsel also submitted a skeleton argument outlining their case for granting the licence, emphasizing their experience, robust operational procedures, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The applicant also proposed a set of licence conditions, including the surrender of an existing premises licence for a nearby venue, to ensure no net increase in licensed gambling premises.