Adult gaming centre licence approved for new Cain’s venue in Cliftonville

Thanet councillors have approved a licence for Cain’s Amusements to open Jackpot Slots adult gaming site at 168 Northdown Road, Cliftonville.

The business, which already has a  gaming venue in Northdown Road and another in Ethelbert Crescent, will 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.

Objection

A representative for Cain’s told the sub licensing committee today (January 6) that there had been no objection from police or the council’s own licensing department. She also questioned the validity of the one objection lodged from the freeholder of the neighbouring premises which houses the Oasis Domestic Abuse Service charity shop and a residential tenant.

She said that he provided no evidence that he spoke for his tenants and there was also no evidence that the gaming arcade would result in crime, disorder or antisocial behaviour or have an impact on his business

She added: “When the premises is open and ready, it will be discrete without loud, garish music or displays.”

Safety and security

It was also revealed there will be a membership card entry system for ‘hours of darkness,’ and CCTV inside and out for security and safety.

The Cain’s representative highlighted that operators have to abide by conditions set out under the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCPs) issued by the Gambling Commission

In answer to questions from the committee, it was estimated that maybe 20 customers use gambling sites during the hours of 6pm to 6am and there was often a dead zone from 1am to 6am, which was used as an opportunity for maintenance and cleaning.

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.”

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.

Councillors on the committee approved  the adult gaming licence for the venue.

Considerations such as moral or ethical objections to gambling are not valid reasons, within licensing rules, to reject applications for premises licences.

Planning application

A 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.

Adult gaming centre data

Half of the UK’s Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) are located in areas of high deprivation, the BBC data unit has found.

AGCs, which can open for up to 24-hours a day, host a variety of automated gaming machines that can pay out jackpots worth hundreds of pounds.

Gambling Commission data shows 664 of about 1,400 premises are in significantly deprived locations.

Anna Hargrave, CEO of charity Gamble Aware, described the clustering of AGCs as “concerning” and said those living in deprived areas are twice as likely to experience gambling harm.

Trade association BACTA, which represents the gambling industry, said while operators do not target deprived areas, they do “invest in high streets that need regeneration”.

Data shows Thanet has four adult gaming centres, all within areas classed within the 20% most deprived in the country.