Islington Council's Licensing Sub Committee A has refused an application for a gambling premises licence for Jackpot Slots at 403 Holloway Road, London N7 6HL, citing significant concerns over child and vulnerable person protection, crime prevention, and public nuisance.
The decision, made on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, followed extensive representations from responsible authorities, interested parties, and the applicant.
Concerns Over Vulnerability and Location
Numerous objections were raised, primarily focusing on the premises' location within a gambling vulnerability zone
as defined by the council's policy. This zone is characterised by a high gambling risk index rating and proximity to schools, youth facilities, mental health and addiction services, and other amenities frequented by vulnerable residents. The Licensing Authority argued that approving the application would exacerbate the existing concentration of gambling premises in an area already identified as being at significant risk of gambling-related harm. Within a 250-meter radius of 403 Holloway Road, there are already five gambling premises, including two adult gaming centres and three betting shops.
The Metropolitan Police expressed concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable individuals and the link between gambling and crime. While the applicant proposed safeguards, the police found them insufficient, citing operational experience where offenders remained unidentified despite CCTV and staff presence. They noted instances of offenders remaining unidentified despite overt actions and numerous recorded crimes at gambling premises where few individuals were identified.
Public Health consultants for Islington Council highlighted that the applicant's own risk assessment confirmed the location as high-risk. They voiced particular concern over the proposed 24-hour operating model and the inclusion of an on-site cash machine.
Community Safety Officers presented data indicating that the 250-meter radius around the proposed premises experiences anti-social behaviour (ASB) levels 2.5 times higher than the Islington average. Crime reports, including violent crime and public order offences, were double the borough average. The proposal for 24-hour trading was seen as creating a hub that would attract individuals during periods of low natural surveillance, potentially increasing congregation and ongoing issues.
Ward councillors for Tufnell Park criticised the applicant's cavalier attitude
and inadequate initial risk assessment, stating that local residents expressed no support for the venue.
Multiple local residents and community groups, including Jeremy Corbyn MP, Natasha Arnold (NHS consultant), Hernan Romero (local resident), Abdi Rahman (Arisalan Mosque), and Ikram Hamad, reiterated their opposition, citing the density of existing gambling premises, the area's vulnerability, and the potential harm to children and vulnerable people.
Applicant's Response
The applicant's barrister, Gary Grant, argued that many of the objectors' concerns were largely legally irrelevant, focusing on moral objections to gambling rather than the licensing objectives.
He contended that the opposition's arguments fell within the impermissible area
of rejecting an application based on a dislike of gambling or a general notion that it is undesirable to allow gambling premises in an area,
rather than demonstrating that the licensing objectives were not being, or were unlikely to be, met.
Cain's Amusements Limited, the applicant, has a track record of operating Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) and Family Entertainment Centres (FECs) in various locations, including Bethnal Green Road (London Borough of Tower Hamlets), Leysdown-on-Sea, Sheerness, Herne Bay, and Margate. They stated they have operated without regulatory or compliance issues since their operating licence was granted in September 2007. They proposed a 24-hour operating model for the Holloway Road premises and mentioned operating two AGCs in Samit, Kent, which they described as an area of deprivation.
The applicant proposed several safeguards, including restricted operating hours (8 am to 11 pm) and additional discretionary conditions. These included a minimum of two staff members at all times, with one SIA-approved door supervisor between 11 pm and 7 am. The applicant also detailed measures such as facial recognition cameras installed in entrance ways, linked to their self-exclusion gallery, which would prevent recognised individuals from entering. A locked door policy
from dusk until 7 am was also proposed, with the maglock operating during these hours, and the facial recognition system operable from the staff station with a clear line of sight to the door.
Decision
Despite the applicant's representations, the subcommittee deliberated and decided to refuse the application for a new premises licence for Jackpot Slots at 403 Holloway Road. The reasons for the decision will be provided in writing within five working days. The full public reports pack for the meeting can be found here.