Following complaints raised by residents at the Ferndale Safer Neighbourhood Partnership, the Police served a warrant under S.23 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 on
17th March at the William Hill bookmakers at 122-124 Acre Lane . Ten people were arrested – five for
possession with intent to supply cannabis, three for possession of cannabis and two members of staff for allowing the premises to be used for drug dealing. Alcohol was also being consumed on the premises.

There was concern that vulnerable persons may be harmed by the consumption of drugs on the premises and as a concern. As a consequence, the Police have sought a review of William Hill’s licence in order to prevent gambling from being a source of a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime and, protecting vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

Councillors have received for some time complaints that the area’s betting shops attract people who hang around outside the premises with accusations of drug dealing, street drinking, sexual harassment and intimidation. The bookmakers have failed to take responsibility for their customers including when challenged by Cllr Martin Tiedemann at a recent Licensing Sub-Committee hearing. Now the police are alleging criminal activity on the premises themselves, including the apparent collusion of the staff themselves.

Nearby residents and businesses can make representations to the following licensing authority before 9th May 2014:

London Borough of Lambeth
Licensing Team
5th Floor, Blue Star House
234-244 Stockwell Road
London SW9 9SP
licensing@lambeth.gov.uk

Please let Brixton Hill or Ferndale councillors if you have any concerns or points to raise.