The Licensing Sub-Committee of Enfield Council met on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, to consider a new premises licence application for an Adult Gaming Centre. The primary item on the agenda was a detailed review of the application for Palace Amusement, located at 101-109 Green Lanes, London, N13 4SP.

Palace Amusement, 101-109 Green Lanes, London, N13 4SP

The committee was scheduled to discuss a new premises licence application for an Adult Gaming Centre (AGC) at Palace Amusement. The applicant, East Kent Leasing Limited, sought permission to operate the venue, which would provide Category B3, Category C, and Category D gaming machines.

The report pack detailed the application process, including the submission of a premises licence application, premises plan, local area risk assessment, security statement, operational management plan, and proposed licence conditions. It also outlined the representations received from various parties, including the Metropolitan Police, the Licensing Authority, and numerous local residents and businesses.

The Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority had initially raised concerns regarding the adequacy of the applicant's risk assessments and proposed controls. However, following discussions and the submission of revised documentation and agreed additional licence conditions, both responsible authorities withdrew their objections.

A significant number of representations were received from Other Persons, primarily local residents and businesses, who objected to the application. The main concerns raised by objectors included:

• Preventing Gambling from being a Source of Crime or Disorder: Concerns were expressed about potential increases in loitering, street drinking, nuisance behaviour, drug-related activity, and criminal exploitation, particularly during late-night hours.
• Protecting Children and Vulnerable Persons: Objectors highlighted the proximity of the proposed premises to local primary schools, nurseries, bus stops used by schoolchildren, and accommodation for young adult care leavers. Concerns were raised about the potential normalisation of gambling, gambling-related harm, and the exposure of children and vulnerable individuals to gambling premises.
• Concentration of Gambling Premises: Many objectors stated that there was already a significant number of gambling premises in the Palmers Green and Bowes area, expressing concern about a further concentration of facilities.
• Gambling-Related Harm and Public Health: Representations referred to broader concerns about gambling addiction, financial hardship, mental health impacts, and wider social consequences.

The report pack also detailed the proposed licence conditions agreed upon by the applicant, which included enhanced CCTV, Challenge 25 procedures, third-party age verification testing, staff training, incident recording, crime prevention measures, and minimum staffing requirements.

The committee was advised on the relevant law, including the Gambling Act 2005 and the Council's Statement of Principles 2025-2028. It was noted that the premises were not located within a designated Gambling Vulnerability Area according to the council's policy. The report also referenced the Sheffield Magistrates' Court decision in Royal Amusements v Sheffield City Council (2024), which considered issues of gambling harms and vulnerable persons.

The officer's comments highlighted the substantial number of objections received and the withdrawal of representations from the Metropolitan Police and Licensing Authority after revised documentation and conditions were agreed. Members were reminded that the Gambling Act 2005 requires licensing authorities to aim to permit gambling where applications are in accordance with legislation, guidance, and licensing objectives.

The Sub-Committee was presented with the options to grant the application as applied for, grant it subject to conditions, or reject the application, with reasons required for any decision taken.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as welcome and apologies, and declarations of interest. A resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 was to be considered if necessary to exclude the press and public for any exempt information, though no Part 2 agenda was listed.