The leader of Peterborough City Council has told constituents “enough is enough” when it comes to gambling venues in the city, with discussions reportedly afoot to implement a limit on new licences in the latest draft of its Local Plan. How legislation that protects the Aim to Permit principle fits into the council’s thinking … well, thinking rarely enters into some elected councillors processing.

Peterborough City Council is to consider limiting the number of gambling licences available in the city, after council leader Dennis Jones told the authority’s own Ask the Leader podcast that “enough is enough.”

Citing the licensing controls already in place in the Millfield area of the city, Jones suggested new measures could be introduced into the Local Plan in order to counter what his cabinet members describe as a “saturation” of the high street.

“We have reached a point where enough is enough,” said Jones. “I don’t think we can sustain any more no matter how much business rates they are paying…What we need to do is look at what provision is being made and see if there is anything we can do.” 

“I think these gambling centres proliferate in areas of high deprivation and this is one of the toughest things we come across. When we are considering sensitive developments, we need to look at the kind of services, like doctors, dentists and shops, that we are providing rather than just allowing houses and shops with rows of these machines.”

But here’s a thought Mr Jones…

If those doctors, dentists and shops wanted these vacant premises, they would have taken them already, wouldn’t they? 

Wouldn’t they!?

Perhaps the reason why they aren’t occupying these vacant shops is  – well, could it possibly be the unreliability of local government decision making by whim or  moral code as advocated by Peterborough City Council currently?

If this is how Cllr Jones wants to treat local businesses, then he shouldn’t be surprised if they flick the commercial finger at him.

The messaging coming out of the council is not one of attracting the business community – it’s likely one that will lead to more shuttered shops and less business rates. 

But then he doesn’t care how much business rates they’re paying?

But others might. That shortfall in finances will be pushed on to other businesses in the city and more importantly local residents through increases in council tax. 

Perhaps then Peterborough City Council might see who has reached a point of ‘enough is enough’.

What, another one?

Disappointingly,  Cllr Jones is supported by another savvy businessperson on the council. 

Speaking during the same podcast, cabinet member for Adults and Health, Dr Shabina Qayyum, also said the number of gambling centres and betting shops in Peterborough had “reached saturation point.”

“I think it is worth opening up a conversation around the Local Plan and whether there can be a limitation on the number of gambling shops in terms of licensing legislation.”

“Whether there are options and incentives that are feasible for us, and economically, to have a look at other businesses in place of gambling and betting shops.”

Well actuallyDr Qayyum, there are other options that you can shape – directly. 

Why don’t you take note of Cllr Jones’ comments about bringing more doctors and dentists onto the high streets and persuade all your medical mates to fill the premises that will be left vacant if your anti-gambling policy is implemented.

But hold on – wouldn’t that be proliferation too? 

Thinking about it… no it wouldn’t.. No dentist nor doctor would be seen dead occupying a premises in an area of high deprivation. Most need to be held at gunpoint to even add NHS patients to their books.

Emotional exorcism versus actual facts

The premises occupied by gaming and gambling businesses in Peterborough are the product of millions of pounds of investment in their retail units, a high level of training and a commitment to paying over £100 million in the gambling levy.They are also the most restrictively regulated industry in the UK – and for all that, they are investing in your city’s employment, your city’s economy, and your city’s high street.

And that kind of contribution certainly won’t come from a dental or doctor’s practice.