Consultation on the Gambling Statement of Principles

Start date: 8 September 2021
End date: 20 October 2021
Date/timeline for further discussion or updates: A conjoined meeting of the 4 Divisional Licensing Boards has been arranged for 19 November 2021 

Why we are consulting

Licensing Authorities must prepare and publish, every 3 years, a Statement of Principles that they propose to apply in exercising their functions under the Gambling Act 2005. The present Statement came into effect on 31 January 2019 and requires to be renewed by 31 January 2022. 

In preparation of the new Statement the Boards are consulting on the terms of the Statement of Principles with a wide range of persons and organisations including:-

• the Chief Constable
• persons and organisations who represent local gambling businesses
• persons and organisations who represent the interests of persons likely to be affected by the exercise of the Licensing Authorities' gambling licensing functions (this may include religious/faith organisations, NHS, minority groups)
• Statutory agencies.
• Community Councils

The consultation will take the form of emails/letters to the above people/organisations requesting that they consider the current Statement of Principles which can be found on the Licensing Board's website and also a hard copy is available in all libraries should anyone wish to view it.  A poster containing relevant information will be issued to libraries for display, providing details on the consultation for those who are unable to provide an online response.

The Statement of Principles should conform to the statutory requirements and take into account the most recent guidance issued by the Gambling Commission.  It also sets down an outline of the Gambling Licensing System and the Boards' role within that system.  Central to this is the promotion of the 3 Licensing Objectives:-

• preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder, or being used to support crime;
• ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way; and
• protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

What we'll do with the results

All responses received will be submitted to a conjoined meeting of the 4 Divisional Licensing Boards for consideration.  Any proposed amendments will be discussed and agreed by the Licensing board prior to the Statement of Principles being published by the statutory date.
 

Who to contact for further information

Sharon Davidson
03033333000
licensing@dumgal.gov.uk