London Poker Club closes

London’s International Private Members Club has announced its closure. The popular club once offered tournament and cash poker, English pool tournaments, chess, scrabble, and backgammon, but has now closed its doors due to licensing problems.

Late last year the Hackney Gazette reported that an investigation by both the police and the council’s licensing enforcement team found that poker was the main use for the premises. This goes against the 2005 Gambling Act which states that chance games such as poker can be provided in such clubs once they are not either largely or entirely the reason for the club’s being.

While the appeal was pending, members could continue to play games, but no alcohol was sold.

A posting on Facebook and the Gutshot poker forum reads:

“After today’s hearing with Hackney Council in regards to the club licenses we have to inform you that with immediate effect the club has closed. Its not all bad news as The Poker Olympics will still go ahead but not here but at The Western club. Still the same great events, the superb Int dealing team and massive guarantees whcih promises to be a great week [sic].

There will be more information we can give over the next few days so please do check back.

All of us here at The International would like to thanks each and everyone of its members for the superb support over the last 4 and a bit years….. It been fun!"

The news comes as much disappointment to its regulars. The club, which is located in the centre of London, is in the process of organising a party as a send off for its staff and all its members.