The Licensing Sub-Committee of Barnet Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 3 November 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a discussion on the procedure for licensing sub-committee hearings and a significant application for a new premises licence for an Adult Gaming Centre.

Licensing Sub-Committee Hearing Procedure

The committee is scheduled to review the procedure for licensing sub-committee hearings. This procedure is based on regulations made under the Licensing Act 2003 and is designed to ensure natural justice and a fair hearing. The procedure outlines the roles of the Governance Officer and the Chair, the process for presenting cases, and how discussions and determinations will be handled. It also details the steps for announcing decisions and the process for appealing against them.

Adult Gaming Centre Application for East Kent Leasing Limited

A key item on the agenda is the consideration of an application for a new premises licence for an Adult Gaming Centre, submitted by East Kent Leasing Limited for premises located at 226 Station Road, Edgware HA8 7AU. This application, made under section 159 of the Gambling Act 2005, is for premises to be known as Palace Amusements.

The report pack indicates that the application has received two valid representations: one from the Council's Public Health department and another from a local resident, Christie Bodourian. The Public Health Directorate has formally objected to the application, citing concerns that granting it would contravene the licensing objectives, particularly those relating to protecting children and vulnerable persons from harm and preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder. Their objection highlights that an Adult Gaming Centre represents a material change in the nature, intensity and accessibility of gambling due to its reliance on continuous machine-based play, which they believe would increase the risk of gambling-related harm in an area with mixed but identifiable vulnerabilities. The Public Health Directorate's representation also critiques the applicant's Local Area Risk Assessment (LARA), stating it does not respond sufficiently to the evidence and the known risks associated with continuous electronic gaming machine use.

Christie Bodourian, a local resident, has also submitted an objection. Her concerns include the over-concentration of betting premises in the area, the timing of the application during Edgware's regeneration, and the potential negative impact on families and children. She argues that a further gambling premises would detract from the area's regeneration efforts and that alternative uses would better serve the community.

The applicant, East Kent Leasing Limited, has proposed a set of conditions for the licence, including mandatory conditions such as displaying a notice stating that no person under 18 will be admitted, prohibiting direct access between the Adult Gaming Centre and other licensed premises, and ensuring any ATM is located such that its use requires ceasing gambling. They have also proposed voluntary conditions covering CCTV, a Think 25 proof-of-age scheme, a maglock on the main entrance, an intruder alarm, and an incident log. The applicant's Local Area Risk Assessment details their approach to mitigating risks, including staff training, CCTV coverage, and customer interaction policies.

The committee is expected to consider these representations and the applicant's proposals when determining the application. The report pack includes detailed information on the application form, site plan, local area risk assessment, and the representations received. The determination will be made in accordance with the Gambling Act 2005, with regard to the Guidance to Licensing Authorities issued by the Gambling Commission and the Council's Gambling Statement of Principles¹.