A high street casino in Bearwood has been granted permission to operate 24 hours a day, despite warnings from public health officials and West Midlands Police about the potential negative impact on the community.
The Admiral Casino, located in the former NatWest bank building at 562 Bearwood Road, has until now operated between 8am and 11pm daily. The casino’s parent company, Luxury Leisure, submitted an application to Sandwell Council seeking to remove these restricted hours to enable continuous operation.
Sandwell Council approved the change, overruling objections from both the local police force and the council’s public health department. Public health officials expressed serious concerns, stating that extending the casino’s opening hours would cause “significant harm” to an area already burdened by numerous 24-hour shops, late-night takeaways, and venues.
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West Midlands Police also opposed the application, highlighting the area’s existing problems with crime and antisocial behavior. They pointed out that Bearwood Road is a “high crime area” with reports of 34 anti-social behavior incidents, 24 burglaries, 114 violent crimes, and 24 vehicle crimes in the last year alone. Specifically, the police noted increased risks connected to late-night activity, citing seven calls between midnight and 6am related to disturbances caused by casino customers.
The Admiral Casino’s transition from bank to adult gaming centre was originally approved by the council in 2021. The bank had closed in 2018 and the building remained unused for several years despite previous refurbishment efforts. Although the casino already holds a 24-hour license, planning permission was required to allow operations beyond the previously imposed hours.
Notably, another 24-hour Admiral Casino operates across Bearwood Road, and multiple other casinos, gyms, and shops in the area also stay open all night. Public health officials warned that adding another 24-hour gambling venue would increase noise, disturbance, and foot traffic during unsociable hours, worsening the strain on local police resources and community safety.
In response, Luxury Leisure argued that the restriction on hours was unclear and that late-night operations are common and accepted in the town centre. They emphasized that adult gaming centres are legitimate businesses that do not harm retail activity or attract underage customers, as legal obligations exclude anyone under 18. The company also maintained that their operations do not create excessive noise and there is no evidence linking their premises to increased antisocial behavior.
Despite these assurances, the council’s decision to approve 24/7 operation has raised ongoing concerns about the impact on residential amenity and public safety in an already challenged area.