Gambling firm is blocked from opening outlet after public health director’s intervention

A gambling company has lost its appeal to open an arcade in Sheffield city centre after the director of public health successfully argued that gambling harms are increased when premises are located in “sensitive locations” that are frequented by children and vulnerable people.1

The appeal was brought by Royal Amusements after Sheffield City Council refused to grant a licence for premises in Fargate, Sheffield, in November 2024.

Greg Fell, director of public health in Sheffield, was one of the original objectors to the premises licence and also gave evidence at the appeal. He told The BMJ, “There are times when public health must show clear and informed support for local …