Bedford approves 24-hour gaming centre despite concerns over crime and gambling harms

Bedford Borough Council has granted a premises licence for a new 24-hour adult gaming centre. This has been approved despite objections from police, councillors and a local church. Councillors concluded that the operator's proposed safeguards were sufficient to allow the venue to open.

The licence relates to a former card shop on Silver Street. Operator Future Leisure plans to establish an adult gaming centre. This would have gaming machines for customers aged 18 and over.

During the licensing hearing, Bedfordshire Police warned that another late-night gambling venue could place additional pressure on already stretched policing resources. It would also increase the risk of crime and disorder in an area that already contains a concentration of licensed premises.

However, the council's licensing sub-committee ultimately approved the application. This is subject to a series of conditions designed to protect children and vulnerable people.

Police and community groups voice concerns

The application attracted objections from several parties. They questioned whether another gambling venue was appropriate for Bedford town centre.

Bedfordshire Police argued that the location already experiences significant late-night activity. They suggested an additional gambling premises could contribute to anti-social behaviour and demand for police resources.

St Paul's Church also raised concerns. They told the committee that people experiencing gambling addiction, financial hardship or impulsive behaviour could be particularly vulnerable to harm if another adult gaming centre opened in the town centre.

Conservative councillor Jane Walker echoed those concerns in a written objection. She mentioned Bedford's existing issues with anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related incidents.

She also questioned the venue's proximity to a planned dance school. She argued that increased footfall from young people in the area could expose them to unnecessary risks, despite the premises itself being restricted to adults.

Operator outlines player protection measures

Future Leisure rejected suggestions that the new venue would negatively affect the local community. They stated that there was no evidence that its existing adult gaming centres in High Wycombe, Stevenage and Borehamwood had generated similar problems.

The company told councillors that customers would be monitored from the moment they entered the premises. Staff will also be trained to recognise signs of vulnerability and gambling-related harm.

Among the measures proposed were a controlled entry system, Challenge 25 age verification procedures, CCTV coverage throughout the venue, incident recording and a commitment to have two members of staff on duty at all times.

Future Leisure also said it would work alongside local authorities and organisations supporting vulnerable people. They added that safeguarding customers formed a central part of its operating model.

"Customers would be monitored from the moment they entered the premises and staff received regular training to identify signs of vulnerability and gambling-related harm."

Licensing decisions continue to divide opinion

The Bedford decision reflects a wider debate taking place across England as councils consider applications for new gambling venues.

While local authorities are required to assess applications against the licensing objectives set out in gambling legislation, they cannot reject proposals simply because some residents object to gambling in principle. Instead, decisions must be based on evidence relating to issues such as crime prevention, public safety and the protection of children and vulnerable people.

For operators, that increasingly means demonstrating robust safer gambling procedures, comprehensive staff training and effective age verification systems before licences are granted.

The Bedford case shows how councils continue to weigh economic investment and business development against concerns about gambling-related harm. Licensing committees often place significant emphasis on whether operators can show appropriate safeguards will be in place before a venue opens.