Adult gaming centre licence refused in Earl's Court

Kensington and Chelsea Council's Licensing Sub-Committee has refused an application for an adult gaming centre premises licence for Silver Time Amusements at 177-179 Earl's Court Road. The decision was made on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, following significant opposition from local residents, residents' associations, and local councillors.

The primary concerns raised by objectors centred on the potential for increased crime and disorder, the risk of harm to children and vulnerable persons, the negative impact on the character of the area, and the over-concentration of gambling premises in Earl's Court. There are currently four gambling outlets within 200 metres of the proposed site: William Hill, Coral, Admiral, and the existing Silver Time premises. The council has not specified a threshold for what constitutes an 'over-concentration'.

An application for an adjournment, sought by objectors on the grounds of unacknowledged objections and the inaccessibility of the online licensing portal due to a cyber attack, was refused by the committee. The committee stated they had sufficient evidence to reach a decision and that there was a public interest in the expeditious disposal of the case. The online licensing portal remained inaccessible, limiting participation and engagement, though the specific grounds for the cyber attack were not detailed.

During the hearing, objectors highlighted the prominent location of the proposed premises opposite Earl's Court station, its increased size compared to the existing venue, and the potential for 24-hour operation to exacerbate existing anti-social behaviour and crime issues in the area. The area is noted for a high concentration of supported housing, hostels, and addiction services. Seven specialist-supported housing units covered by St Mungo's, Turning Point, Look Ahead, and Metropolitan Thames Valley are located nearby, along with three methadone dispensing pharmacies and a National Problem Gambling Clinic. Schools, nurseries, youth facilities, and religious institutions are also present in the vicinity.

Mr Andrew Woods, solicitor for Silver Time Amusements, presented the applicant's case, stating that the company had operated at 169 Earl's Court Road for ten years without any complaints related to the Gambling Act. He also agreed to all ten proposed conditions, including the voluntary condition of having an SIA door staff member on the front door at all times the premises is open.

Despite the applicant's assurances and willingness to accept conditions, the committee ultimately refused the premises licence application. The committee was satisfied that it had sufficient evidence and material before it to reach a decision, given the significant number of objections from local residents. This included confirmation that all representations submitted within the statutory timeline were included in the papers, and that objections from businesses on Hogarth Road had been included under individual names. Statutory consultation had also been carried out via site notices and newspaper advertisements.

The Chair, Councillor Greg Hammond, stated that the detailed reasons for the refusal would be published in writing. A summary decision was provided in writing within five working days of the hearing, and the full written determination will be published in due course and will be accessible to the public. The committee also noted the strong public interest in the timely resolution of the case. ¹