The International Private Members Club in London has lost its appeal against the removal of its club gaming permit.
The club, which offered poker, had appealed the decision of Hackney Council to withdraw its club premises certificate and cancel the associated gaming permit at a licensing hearing in October last year.
On Monday, the appeal was dismissed at Thames Magistrates’ Court, with costs of £18,000 awarded to Hackney Council. Gambling Commission director of regulatory risk and analysis Matthew Hill welcomed the decision.
“We welcome this verdict which confirms that the narrow permission allowing members of genuine members’ clubs to play poker cannot be used to justify the provision of what amounts to a commercial poker club,” he said. “This case, which was diligently led by Hackney Council, supported by the Gambling Commission and the Metropolitan Police, sends a clear message to club gaming permit holders, who seek to offer poker, that they must operate in accordance with their permit of run the risk of losing it.”
Councillor Sophie Linden, Hackney Council’s cabinet member for crime, sustainability and customer services, said the verdict sent a “strong message” that clubs operating with a “complete disregard for the law” would not be tolerated.
In a statement on its Facebook page, the club said: "After today's hearing with Hackney Council in regards to the club licences we have to inform you that with immediate effect the club has closed.
"All of us here at The International would like to thank each and every one of its members for the superb support over the last four and a bit years."
