Tel: 01695 577177
West Lancashire Borough Council

Almost last call for gambling comments! 6 November 09

6 November 2009, 09/263

 

Almost last call for gambling comments!

It’s a good bet to make sure you give your views on the Council’s revised policy for licensing gambling premises across West Lancashire before time runs out!

 

West Lancashire Borough Council is over halfway through the consultation period on its gambling policy and is urging establishments and residents to give their views.

 

The Council issues licenses for premises such as bingo clubs and betting offices, as well as permits for gaming machines in pubs, clubs and other alcohol licensed premises. As part of these duties under the Gambling Act 2005, the Council has to set out how it enforces these responsibilities.

 

The policy promotes three 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

  • Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling

The document has to be renewed every three years, so the Council wants comments from the public and interested stakeholders to make sure it is carrying out its duties correctly. People have until 2 December to give their views.

 

Councillor Andrew Fowler, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: "It was three years ago that we first took on the responsibility for issuing gambling licenses and to ensure that our policy still fully reflects the needs and views of the borough we want to give people another opportunity to comment on the draft before we re-launch it next year. We’ve already received a number of positive responses and are eager to get as many as possible before the deadline - so hurry to give your views."

 

To read the document and submit comments on the draft gambling policy, visit the Council’s website www.westlancs.gov.uk/gamblingact and fill in an online form.

 

Alternatively, email your comments to licensing.enquiries@westlancs.gov.uk, post your comments in to West Lancashire Borough Council, Gambling Act 2005 Consultation, Westec House, Derby Street, Ormskirk, L39 2DQ, or fax your comments through on 01695 585126.

 

Hard copies of the draft policy are available on request by contacting the Council’s Licensing Service at the above address or on 01695 577177.

The Gambling Act 2005 became law on the 7 April 2005 and replaced most of the existing law involving gambling in Great Britain. The Act aims to provide an improved and more comprehensive structure of gambling regulation.

 

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Last Updated: 11/9/2009

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West Lancashire Borough Council, 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, West Lancashire L39 2DF
Tel: 01695 577177 | Email: customer.services@westlancs.gov.uk