Bexley Council to decide on 24-hour Sidcup gambling centre

Bexley Council's Licensing Sub-Committee is set to decide on a proposal to open a 24-hour gambling centre on Sidcup High Street. The application, submitted by Merkur Slots for premises at 83 Sidcup High Street, has generated significant opposition, with 20 formal objections lodged.

Resident Concerns Over Anti-Social Behaviour

A majority of the objections have come from residents of Chaplin House, a residential tower block whose main entrance is located directly beside the proposed site. These residents have expressed fears that the 24-hour operation could attract anti-social behaviour to the area. They highlighted that the block's entrance is also near a bus stop used daily by numerous schoolchildren. Residents of Chaplin House recently invested £28,000 in a new security gate for their entrance, citing existing issues with anti-social behaviour outside their homes.

One Chaplin House resident, Deanna Miller, expressed concern for children, stating that parents would have to explain why they could not enter the venue with its 'smiley face shop' logo. Another resident, Lisa Williams, described the proposal as 'outrageous' and suggested that many patrons of such establishments suffer from 'complex mental/psychological problems and many have other addictions'.

Councillor's Opposition

Sidcup councillor Andy Curtois has publicly opposed the plans. He stated that he had previously been unsuccessful in preventing another Merkur Slots venue from opening in nearby Welling. Councillor Curtois argued that 24-hour establishments can attract drug dealers and declared, 'We must protect Sidcup'. He also recounted witnessing an incident where a woman, appearing inebriated, urinated in public before allegedly stealing alcohol from a nearby shop, an event he linked to the venue's operating hours.

Merkur Slots' Response

In response to the objections, Merkur Slots has submitted a 74-page document detailing its social responsibility policies and safer gambling procedures. The company stated that its staff are trained to refuse entry to individuals under 18 and those suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Next Steps

The Bexley Council Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider the premises licence application on September 24. The committee will review the application alongside the objections received and Merkur Slots' submitted policies.