The petition of residents of the constituency of Beckenham and Penge,
Declares that a 24-hours licence for Admiral Casino on Westow Hill in Crystal Palace would damage the character of the area, fuel anti-social behaviour and increase gambling harms for vulnerable people.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to encourage Croydon Council to ensure that Admiral Casino on Westow Hill in Crystal Palace is not granted a 24-hours licence.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Liam Conlon, Official Report, 25 February 2026; Vol. 781, c. 433.]
[P003165]
Observations from the Minister for Museums, Heritage and Gambling, Baroness Twycross: I note Admiral Casino’s application for a 24-hour licence in Westow Hill in Crystal Palace, and I recognise the concerns of the residents of Beckenham and Penge. Ultimately, it is for Croydon council to consider whether the application is compatible with the licensing objectives and its statement of licensing principles. Local authorities can make use of a range of existing powers to manage gambling in their areas, both under the planning system and as licensing authorities under the Gambling Act 2005. They can also consider the profile of the area and potential risks, as well as the views of local people, when coming to licensing decisions.
As the Minister for Gambling, I recognise the strength of feeling on the licensing of high street gambling venues. As such, the Government have amended the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to introduce gambling impact assessments—formerly referred to as cumulative impact assessments. GIAs will bolster existing local authority powers and strengthen their ability to manage gambling premises in their areas. The implementation date will be confirmed in due course.