Lewisham Council has rejected a licensing application from Merkur Slots to extend its operating hours to nearly 24 hours a day, with one councillor describing the proposal as 'predatory'. The gambling centre, located at 40 Deptford High Street, sought a variation to open from 9am to 6am, seven days a week.
Concerns over vulnerable residents
At a meeting of the council's Licensing Sub-Committee on June 10, councillors voted to refuse the application due to fears that extended hours would harm vulnerable people in an area marked by high deprivation. The decision, published on June 17, stated that the extended hours would not protect vulnerable individuals from gambling-related harm or exploitation.
The sub-committee concluded that no conditions could mitigate their concerns, leading to the rejection.
Public opposition
The application attracted seven objections, including from the Deptford Society, two former councillors, and four residents. Rosie Parry, a former councillor for Deptford ward, said: 'Turning the shop into a near-24-hour gambling venue will increase opportunities for problematic gambling behaviour and associated disorder. This predatory expansion of operating hours will further normalise and make even more visible harmful gambling within our community.'
An anonymous resident highlighted the 'over-concentration' of gambling shops on Deptford High Street, adding: 'Although this is not a new premises, the clustering of these businesses harms the local economy and reduces diversity. Extending the hours exacerbates this effect.'
Operator's defense
Sarah Le Fevre, a barrister representing Merkur Slots, described the company as an 'extremely experienced and reputable operator' with over 230 premises nationwide, about 80% of which operate 24 hours 'without issue'. She noted that mandatory consultees like the police and Gambling Commission had not raised objections, stating: 'Their silence is similarly important. It reflects an absence of concern.'
However, Meredith Eddy from the Deptford Society argued that nearly 24-hour gambling would be 'disruptive' and contribute to crime, disorder, and public nuisance. She said: 'There is an over-concentration of betting shops in the area. All-night betting will harm local business and the community, and the inevitable detritus and litter are incompatible with this high street.'
Eddy added that the proposal conflicted with Lewisham's Statement of Principles for Gambling, which aims to protect vulnerable persons, and with the council's health and safety goals.
Final decision
In closing statements, Le Fevre reiterated Merkur Slots' commitment to responsible operation, noting staff training to identify vulnerability. Eddy countered that the absence of police objections did not guarantee no issues would arise with extended hours.
The sub-committee ultimately rejected the application. Merkur Slots has 21 days from notification to appeal the decision at the Magistrates' Court.
