Template letter to the Enfield Licensing Committee
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SUBJECT: Review Application for Bingo Premises – Merkur Slots 292-292A Green Lanes
I am writing to object to a 24hr Adult Gaming Centre being opened by Merkur Slots in Palmers Green, High Street, 292-292A Green Lanes, N13 5TW
As a local resident, I feel strongly that the license granted in January this year was morally irresponsible and should be revoked immediately. I object on the ground of:
1) preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime.
We do not need another gambling centre in the area. There is already a concentration of four betting shops in close proximity to the proposed new gambling premises. There is a well-known risk that these venues attract money laundering, criminality. These venues encourage behaviour that has a negative effect on individuals, families and communities. People will be able to leave the local pubs at closing time and move to the nearby gaming arcade to start gambling. The anti-social behaviour this venue will attract after hours is a concern, especially when the police are under-resourced. I am also concerned about walking down the high street late at night when gamblers will be going in and out of the premises.
2) protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling
This type of venue is totally unsuitable in this area with a large number of growing families and elderly. Two schools sandwich the part of our high street in question and there is a school bus stop right outside this venue.
There is also a McDonalds very close by where youths congregate. Neon lights and an alluring shop front will attract a child/young adult's attention. I am concerned that children will become normalised to gambling on the high street. Children will be exposed to gamblers - and to the risks of antisocial behaviour linked to betting 24/7 - while en route to school, to the nearby park, playgrounds and local shops.
Palmers Green ward is one of the top 40% of most deprived wards in the country. We witness homelessness and begging. Town centres should not be places where people are encouraged to waste money and get into debt, causing damage to their lives and to their families. There are many more people now struggling financially, making them more vulnerable to such a venue.
Gambling is related to serious mental health issues with a sharp increase in the number of NHS gambling clinics for 13-25-year-olds who are suffering from addiction. Gambling addiction can result in homelessness, suicide, domestic violence and family breakups.
Local residents in Palmers Green have worked with businesses to improve and support the high street, making it a more pleasant environment for the community at a time when local high streets are facing huge challenges. The local community are keen to see the local day and night-time economy thrive, and the opening of a 24-hour Adult Gaming Centre in a prime spot in the high street would be highly detrimental to those efforts.
Please do not allow this venue to open here. I insist the Council has the moral imperative to revoke Merkur's licence and allow our local community to thrive.
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