Shropshire Council seeks views on Gambling Act licensing policy

Shropshire Council, as the licensing authority for Shropshire, has commenced a consultation process on its “Statement of Principles” under provisions contained in the Gambling Act 2005.

Mal Price, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for regulatory Services, said:

“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 widely; in particular with West Mercia Police, organisations who represent the interests of people carrying on gambling businesses, and organisations who represent people who are likely to be affected by the exercise of the council’s functions under this Act.”

Paul McGreary, head of business support and regulatory services, said:

“The preparation, publication and consultation process that is being undertaken is a legal requirement placed upon the council. However, this is not only about the council complying with its legal obligations. This is a genuine opportunity for all stakeholders to make their views known, and I encourage everyone who wishes to comment to do so over the next two months.”

Michael Wood, Chair of the council’s Strategic Licensing Committee, 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 commenced today (Monday 5 October 2015) and closes at midnight on Sunday 29 November 2015. The draft “Statement of Principles” is available to view at http://new.shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/(will be live shortly).

All comments and representations should be made, and further advice may be sought from, Mandy Beever at:- licensing@shropshire.gov.uk, phone 0345 678 9026.

By post: business support and regulatory services, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6ND.