Why are we consulting?

Under the Gambling Act 2005 we're the licensing authority responsible for licensing and overseeing local gambling establishments. Part of this responsibility is the duty to prepare and publish a statement of the principles (a policy) that we propose to apply in exercising our function under the act. 

Our current Gambling Act policy came into effect on 31 January 2019 and will cease to have effect on 30 January 2022. We must be in a position to formally adopt a revised policy with effect from 31 January 2022. In order to satisfy the specific legal requirements set down in the Gambling Act 2005, we need to consult publicly on the draft policy from 12 July 2021 to 19 September 2021.

What does the revised policy seek to achieve?

We've taken the opportunity to revise the content of the policy to reflect the latest guidance issued to licensing authorities by the Gambling Commission, which seeks to provide practical clarity to existing and potential licence holders and to assist council officers in correctly applying the legal provisions of the Gambling Act 2005.

The revision has led to minor amendments that update guidance references.

The 'local area profile' has been refreshed and is incorporated as appendix B in the draft policy document attached to this page. The profile maps local areas of concern, including actual and future emerging evidence-based risks that may impact on the licensing of gambling premises and activities. Operators are encouraged to use the profile to help inform them of specific risks prior to submitting licence applications.

Following the formal consultation process, an analysis of the responses received will be undertaken and the results collated for the Strategic Licensing Committee (SLC) to consider. A revised policy document, with relevant tracked changes, will be made available to the SLC in time to ensure that the revised policy is in force by 31 January 2022.

We welcome and encourage all interested parties to provide feedback in relation to the content and format of the whole policy. 

The consultation period commences on Monday 12 July 2021 and closes on Sunday 19 September 2021. The draft policy document is available to view as an attachment on this page.

Documents

• Gambling Act 2005 Policy Statement 2022 to 2025 -CONSULTATION VERSION.pdf

All comments and representations should be made, and further advice may be sought from, the Licensing Team using the contact details on this page.