A new 24-hour gambling venue could soon open in Southport town centre – despite objections from nearby businesses.
Merkur Slots wants to open the new venture on London Street, on the former site of The Money Shop.
Merkur has applied for a “Bingo Gambling” premise licence, but neighbouring businesses say they believe bingo will take a back seat to slot machines and automated games.
One objector wrote: “It is clear this will be a machine led environment and bingo will NOT be the primary activity. Its main function is to create as many [slot] machines as possible.”
Another said: “[We, as a nearby business will suffer disorder and criminal behaviour resulting directly from the proposed premises being in the street.
“This will have a negative impact on the personal safety of customers and potential customers who shop in the street.”
A third wrote: “The proposed premises will be likely to cause disorder in the locality resulting in harm to traders and local people.”
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But Cashino Gaming Ltd, which will operate the site, has detailed a list of measures it says it will implement to prevent crime and disorder, under under the Gambling Act 2005.
Cashino currently operates 170 adult gaming centres across the UK under the Merkur Slots brand, and says says “being a responsible operator” is a high priority.
Its venues also operate a Think 25 policy.
They also say an array of Covid-19 hygiene and safety measures are in place at the new centre.
If plans for the new Southport site are approved, bingo would be available for play from 9am-midnight, with an average stake of 30p-40p.
No gaming machines will accept a stake higher than £2, with the maximum return being £500.
The new store would create between six and 12 jobs.
Sefton Council’s licensing sub-committee will decide whether or not to approve the licence when it meets next week (October 7).
