Croydon Council has approved a licence allowing an adult gaming centre in Crystal Palace to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week — despite months of opposition from residents, community groups and MPs.
The council’s licensing sub-committee granted the application by Luxury Leisure, which trades as Admiral, to extend opening hours at 6 Westow Hill in the Crystal Palace Triangle, removing the existing closing time so the venue can trade around the clock. The decision was approved by a majority vote.
Strong local opposition
The application drew petitions and formal objections from local residents and politicians. Steve Reed, the Labour MP for Streatham and Croydon North, and Liam Conlon, the MP for the neighbouring Beckenham and Penge constituency, both opposed the move, warning of the risk of anti-social behaviour and the effect on the character of the Triangle.
Liberal Democrat councillor Claire Bonham, who represents the Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood ward, said there was “simply no need for this premises to be open all night”, arguing gambling has the potential to cause serious harm to vulnerable people in the community.
Why the council granted it
Under the Gambling Act 2005, licensing authorities are bound by an “aim to permit” duty, meaning applications must be granted unless the authority is satisfied the application breaches the statutory licensing objectives — the prevention of crime and disorder, fairness and openness, and the protection of children and vulnerable people.
A 16-page decision letter sent to those who attended the hearing confirms that none of the responsible authorities — including the Gambling Commission, police, fire authority, pollution team and the body advising on the protection of children from harm — submitted objections or raised concerns.
The operator, Luxury Leisure, said the centre would maintain at least two members of staff on duty between 8pm and 8am, with CCTV surveillance and a Challenge 25 policy in place.
Second round-the-clock venue
The Admiral centre on Westow Hill, previously open from 8am to midnight, becomes the second adult gaming centre in Croydon permitted to trade 24 hours a day, after the company’s North End outlet in Croydon town centre.
Campaigners have called on the government to take tougher action against adult gaming centres, which they describe as highly automated venues designed to keep players gambling for as long as possible.
Reporting based on South London News (23 September 2026) and Inside Croydon (21 September 2026).
