A national bookmaker accused of targeting vulnerable people by opening up a shop in Inverness has offered to meet groups opposed to their plans.
William Hill will open the new branch in the former Lochiel Bar in Pumpgate Street, Merkinch, after the council’s Highland Licensing Board admitted it blundered by refusing their gambling licence last month.
Hill’s appeal will be called at Inverness Sheriff Court later this month but the board will not contest the action as officials say they will lose the case.
The board voted 6-4 against granting a licence, after an impassioned plea from the local community council who claimed that the firm was preying on vulnerable addicts.
The betting chain claimed that the board “acted contrary to natural justice” by refusing the application because of the close proximity of a social enterprise, For The Right Reasons, which helps drug, alcohol and gambling addicts.
The advisers also said there was no evidence to back the board’s assertion that the shop would lead to an increased harm from gambling.
A William Hill spokesman said yesterday: “As a socially responsible business we are sensitive to the concerns raised and would be happy to meet the community council and For the Right Reasons to explain how we protect the very small minority of customers who are at risk from gambling.”
Richard Burkitt, of For The Right Reasons, said that they would be happy to meet Hills to discuss their concerns over fixed odds betting machines.