Council seeks views on Gambling Act Licensing Policy

Shropshire Council’s public protection officers are advising stakeholders that the council, as the licensing authority for Shropshire, has started a consultation process on its ‘Statement of Principles’ under provisions contained in the Gambling Act 2005.

The council is required to prepare a statement of the principles that it proposes to apply in exercising its functions under the Gambling Act during the next three years and to then publish that statement.

As part of the process the council will be consulting with West Mercia Police, organisations who represent the interests of people running gambling businesses, and organisations who represent people likely to be affected by the Act.

Frances Darling, service manager for safer and stronger communities within public protection and enforcement, said:

“The preparation, publication and consultation process that we are undertaking is a legal requirement placed upon the council.  However, this is not only about the council complying with its legal obligations.  We genuinely want to hear the views of all stakeholders and encourage everyone who wishes to comment to do so over the next three months.

“It is our intention to publish, on the council’s website, all comments and representations received during the consultation period to allow as many people as possible to see the proposals that will be put before the council for consideration in April.”

Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for public protection and enforcement, said:

“The Gambling Act aims to prevent gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder, or being used to support crime; to ensure that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way, and to protect children and other vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

“I would encourage everyone who has any concerns that our proposed policy does not sufficiently support these objectives to make their views know as soon as possible and clearly to do so before the consultation period ends.”

The consultation period started on Wednesday 16 January 2013 and closes on Wednesday 10 April 2013.  The draft ‘Statement of Principles’ is available to view by clicking here.

All comments and representations should be made, and further advice may be sought from, Fiona Gee at:-

Email: licensing@shropshire.gov.uk

Telephone: 0345 678 9026

Post: Public Protection & Enforcement, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6ND