A gambling arcade is set to be approved on London’s Oxford Street, despite concerns from the Metropolitan Police over the risk of drug money laundering.
Century House, at 100-102 Oxford Street, W1, was formerly a Boots chemist. Now Westminster council has been recommended to approve its use as a 3,282 sq ft so-called adult gaming centre, operated by Admiral.
The plans have attracted various objections from nearby residents, a local councillor, the Fitzrovia Neighbourhood Forum and the Metropolitan Police.
The Metropolitan Police’s designing out crime officer has objected to the nature of the proposed use, the council’s report said, noting that “the presence of an AGC on Oxford Street would offer the opportunity to launder drug money as the games machines have over a 90%-win rate”.
Councillor Jessica Toale also expressed concern about the centre. She said: “Westminster’s Gambling Local Area Profile identifies this area of the West End ward as a particularly vulnerable area for all types of gambling, including ‘away from home’ gambling.
“Adult gaming centres, due to the very nature of play being solitary with immediate pay-outs, can cause excessive play. There is a heightened risk that young people will be attracted to this premise.”
The Fitzrovia Neighbourhood Forum said there is “a strong link between crime and gambling establishments”, adding: “The West End already has one of the highest crime rates in Westminster.”
Objections have also been made over the risk that “the proposed use would have a detrimental impact on Oxford Street as a globally recognised shopping street and leisure district”.
The draft decision letter, published as part of the agenda for next week’s council meeting, includes a number of safety and security conditions, including security personnel on the front door and CCTV outside of the premises.
In a security and social responsibility statement lodged with the initial planning application, the head of risk and compliance at Admiral owner Luxury Leisure Talarius said: “We have very few issues related to crime, disorder or anti-social behaviour and where we identify individuals involved in such, they are banned from all of our stores immediately.
“‘Know your customer’, is a best practice approach advocated by our regulator the Gambling Commission and has been adopted as a core tenet of our customer service provision, ensuring that we operate in a way that is socially responsible by assisting our staff to identify problem gambling and also minimising the risk of crimes such as theft, money laundering and fraud.
“There is a key focus on training, retraining and testing in these areas.”
See more Westminster planning information here>>
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