Merkur Slots’ relocation from High Street to George Street faces hurdles after a shooting at current site in Croydon.
On February 10, the police went to Merkur Slots because a seventeen-year-old had been shot. Officers found him inside, getting first aid.
Merkur added security measures at its High Street location, moving the doorman outside and extending hours. The new George Street site won’t have extra security because Merkur thinks retaliation is unlikely there.
A Merkur representative, Gerald Gouriet, spoke to the committee, stating the shooting could have happened anywhere and that current issues don’t apply to George Street.
The new location will have a doorman from 6 PM to 6 AM. Gouriet said more security was disproportionate and dismissed weapon checks as unnecessary, thinking it’s not a problem for such a location.
Committee chair Patsy Cummings expressed her concerns, emphasizing late operating hours as her issue. She stated they must consider potential problems.
Police say the shooters drove the wrong way. The teen shot in the leg suffered serious, potentially life-changing injuries.
Dontae Dillon, 19, got charged with attempted murder and firearm possession. Two boys, aged 15 and 16, also face charges.
The 15-year-old appeared in court first on February 13. Dillon and the 16-year-old appeared on February 15. They will all appear at the Old Bailey on March 13.
George Street has had crime problems before, with stabbings and bad behavior occurring there last year. It’s a busy road near East Croydon station.