Hammersmith and Fulham Council's gambling policy is facing a legal challenge from two gambling trade bodies, The Bingo Association and BACTA, who are questioning its restrictive nature. The council is awaiting a decision on whether a judicial review hearing will be required.
The policy, introduced in January 2025, has been described as a deterrent to new gambling premises. Specific provisions under scrutiny include new cumulative impact areas and gambling vulnerability zones, where there is a policy presumption to refuse new applications. Additionally, the terminal hour for Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) and Bingo premises has been reduced to 10 pm from 11 pm, and a requirement for door supervisors from 10 pm onwards has been implemented.
Adrian Overton, Licensing Team Manager, informed the Licensing Committee that the council has appointed a leading barrister to represent them and has submitted its grounds of resistance to the challenge. The council is actively working with public health colleagues to ensure the evidence base for the policy is robust and up-to-date. This includes revising the Local Area Profile (LAP) by incorporating additional public health data, such as crime and anti-social behaviour statistics, areas of deprivation, and the density of gambling premises.
Councillors have expressed concern about the potential financial implications for the council should the judicial review be unsuccessful. The policy's approach is also being closely watched by other authorities nationwide, with the government reportedly considering similar measures like cumulative impact areas. The policy is noted for challenging the 'aim to permit' principle, which has presented difficulties for the council.
The number of gambling premises in the borough has remained static, suggesting the current policy may be preventing an increase in their numbers. The full details of the policy and the ongoing legal challenge can be found in the public reports pack for the Licensing Committee meeting on 2nd June 2026. Public reports pack 02nd-Jun-2026 19.00 Licensing Committee.pdf
