Croydon approves 24/7 gambling licence in Crystal Palace

Councillors voted to let an adult gaming centre on Westow Hill trade around the clock — despite months of opposition.

What was approved

The licensing sub-committee granted Luxury Leisure — trading as Admiral — 24-hour, seven-days-a-week operation at 6 Westow Hill in the Crystal Palace Triangle, by a majority vote.

Strong local opposition

MPs Steve Reed and Liam Conlon opposed the move, alongside Lib Dem councillor Claire Bonham, residents and community groups. Cllr Bonham said there was "simply no need for this premises to be open all night".

The council's reasoning

Under the Gambling Act 2005, licensing authorities have an 'aim to permit' duty. A 16-page decision letter notes none of the responsible authorities — police, Gambling Commission, fire authority, pollution team or the child-protection adviser — objected.

Operator's safeguards

Luxury Leisure said the centre would keep at least two 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 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.

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"Westow Street" by Basher Eyre (CC BY-SA 2.0); "Bank Chambers, Westow Hill" by Jim Osley (CC BY-SA 2.0), both via Geograph.