Thanet councillors are due to decide whether to grant a licence for Cain’s Amusements to open Jackpot Slots adult gaming site at168 Northdown Road, Cliftonville.
The business, which already has a gaming venue in Northdown Road, wants to convert the former Mainsale premises after purchasing it earlier this year.
In its application it says the company was incorporated in 2003 but the family business itself has been trading since the 1890s with the 5th generation now at the helm.
It is a member of Bacta the industry trade association and has six licensed Adult Gaming Centres and four licensed Family Entertainment Centres in Leysdown-on Sea, Sheerness, Herne Bay and Margate.
Cain’s says: “Cain’s Amusements purchased the premises earlier this year and intends to invest approximately £500,000 its development; a change of use planning application is currently being processed.
“Once ready to trade the business will employ 6 people at the shop and contribute to the local and national economy through rates and taxes.
“The premises will be fitted with CCTV and the external cameras will enhance the security of the immediate area particularly at night with late night surveillance in the area.”
There will be age verification and no alcohol allowed on the premises. A smoking area is to be created at the rear of the property.
One objection to the licence has been lodged by the owner of the next door building which houses the Oasis charity shop and a flat, and includes concerns over the impact on his commercial and domestic tenants.
The change of use application, submitted separately to the planning department, has resulted in a number of objections and has been called in to committee by ward councillor Alan Currie.
Cllr Currie says: “I and my fellow ward Councillors have serious concerns about another (24 Hour) gambling outlet possibly opening on Northdown Road in Cliftonville.”
In his objection, he adds: “. A 24 hour gambling centre along with an outdoor smoking area would add no benefit to the local high street and I feel this application does not meet the guidelines under policy SP23.
“Northdown Road has steadily improved over the years with a diverse range of shops which cater positively to the local community however it still suffers from ongoing anti-social behaviour and is still a low income area.
“There are already a number of gambling outlets in the vicinity including the applicant’s adult gaming centre at 185 Northdown Road. Another gambling outlet open 24 hours a day is really not needed or wanted by local residents.”
Documents submitted on behalf of Cain’s say: “The proposed use will preserve the vitality and viability of Cliftonville High Street. The use will contribute to a wider diversification of uses whilst helping to improve the evening and night-time economy. As well as diversifying the range of facilities within the commercial centre.
“The external appearance of the property will be retained and enhanced with the new shop front. The proposed single-storey rear extension and rear yard will not have any detrimental effect on the Conservation Area and will be subservient to the current building being located directly to the rear of the property.”
A decision on the planning application has not yet been made. Documents can be viewed on the planning portal, reference F/TH/25/1018.
The licensing hearing will take place on January 6th.
What a cool place!
That’ll make the world a better place, I don’t think.
“The World’s Coolest High Street” could also become “The New Las Vegas”!
Smoking allowed, alcohol banned. If I had my way it’d be the other way around!
It only goes to prove once again that sufficient people have sufficient money to waste in such an establishment.
On the one hand we have people in this area who are supposedly reliant on food banks and yet people in the same area can support a (24 hour ?) gambling venue.
John’s point is a reasonable position to take. I believe it all comes down to addictions, with no self control unfortunately. I am aware of a family, who naturally do not work, but each member of the household smokes, drinks alcohol, drugs (both street & prescription) and gambling, plus low and medium levels of criminality. Ideal candidates for this new venue, as they get up early afternoon and retire to bed in the early hours. This behaviour has been going on for over twenty hours now!
People do talk a lot of old rubbish on this comments section lol
That would make Northdown Road really unsafe. Smoking next to a shop come on Cains thats asking for trouble. Still knowing Thanets planners they call the shots in this. Object to the council.
Its gambling not gaming.