Slot machine centre to open in Exeter city centre

A gambling company has been granted a licence for a new slot machine centre in Exeter city centre. The approval came despite concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area.

The application by Merkur Slots requesting a new bingo premises licence was discussed by Exeter City Council's Sub-Licensing committee on Wednesday, November 6. It was heard that the application had received three representations from the public, objecting to the plans.

Merkur is planning to open the new branch at a former pizza restaurant on Sidwell Street, an area that has gained a reputation for attracting anti-social behaviour and violence.

One objector said that the street had been "trying hard to remove this reputation" with more independent and multicultural shops and eateries. They said a gambling premises would make them feel less safe walking through the city centre with their children.

⚠️ Want the latest Devon breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice⚠️

The representation said: "A gambling establishment serves no purpose in this mix other than to extract money, potentially from some of the most vulnerable in our society.

"Given the social issues on Sidwell Street, this type of establishment does nothing to address them and has the potential to make the worse.

"Sidwell Street is mine and my young children's main walking route to the city centre and I feel it would be made less safe with this type of establishment, that offers for our family."

Another person added: "There are concerns that such establishments may lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour, crime rates, and other social issues.

"Sidwell Street already has long-standing issues with anti-social behaviour, drug misuse, public intoxication, and a general reputation for feeling 'unsafe', and the addition of yet another gambling venue could make this worse."

As part of its application, Merkur Slots included a brochure which insisted "We are not a problem", saying the company is regulated by the Gambling Commission and Licensing Authorites and does not serve alcohol at its venues. It adds that it has "never" been subject to a licence review.

It said: "We are immensely proud of the fact that we have never had a licence revoked or even reviewed. Incidents are extremely rare. We simply do not generate noise and anti-social behaviour."

But Cllr Tammy Palmer, who represents the Duryard & St James ward and attended the meeting, remains concerned. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), after the meeting, she said: "Today I took on Merkur who wanted to open a 24 hour adult gaming centre in Sidwell Street, unlike them I didn't need a barrister, two lawyers and two senior members of staff to argue my case, I went alone, sadly I knew I couldn’t win, but I won’t stop fighting them".