For the third time Grosvenor Casinos has been refused permission to open a casino in Fountainbridge. The Edinburgh licensing board decided that four casinos are sufficient for Scotland’s capital city although Grosvenor had said that Edinburgh had fewer outlets for gambling than other Scottish cities. There are three casinos already open in the city, in York Place, Leith and South Maybury Road. A fourth casino is due to open at Fountainpark.

Grosvenor had wanted to transform a former bingo hall and dance hall into a new casino. The licensing board felt that nothing had changed since the last two applications by Rank’s casino division. They used sections of the Gaming Act 1968 regarding operating capacity to support their refusal. Grosvenor argued that the empty premises in Fountainbridge would benefit from its development plans, although some local residents were against the proposal.

Three of Edinburgh’s casinos are operated by Stanley Casinos. One councillor in favour of the Grosvenor application was of the opinion that more competition in the industry was desirable, and that a high quality facility would result if planning permission were granted. The vote finally went against the application, first filed in March, by eight votes to five. Grosvenor has already appealed the licensing board’s decision twice and may not try for third time lucky. (E-11.01.06)

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