JD Wetherspoon backs down in Lloyds bar gaming machine row

JD Wetherspoon have folded over their plans to install a fourth gaming machine at a popular city centre bar.

Council administration leader Ken Guild had called on the pub chain “to withdraw this application or, if not, that you do not install the machine” at the Lloyds bar, on Seagate.

He has been leading the charge against problem gambling in the city and the policy and resources committee, which he convenes, recently called on the Westminster Government to review the Gambling Act 2005.

They also agreed that publicly accessible and staff council computers should block betting websites. And the pub chain has now decided to heed the leader’s call and not install the fourth machine it received permission for.

JD Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “Mr Guild’s concerns came to our attention after the application was granted by the Dundee Licensing Board on Thursday.

“We have taken note of Mr Guild’s concerns and his reasonable and moderate approach on this matter.

“As a result, in this case, we have decided not to install the fourth machine despite us now being permitted to do so.”