Have your say on gambling policy

July 23, 2018 by Southend Borough Council Press Release

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is inviting local residents and businesses to have their say on proposed changes to the Borough’s gambling policy.

A formal public consultation over The Council’s draft Gambling Act Policy Statement launched this week, with all comments about to be received by email or letter by 2^nd September 2018. 

This policy has been developed as part of the Gambling Act’s strategy to control betting, gambling and local lotteries. Local councils are responsible for giving licences, permits and other approvals. 

Under the legislation, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, as the licensing authority is required to prepare and publish a statement of the principles that it proposes to apply when exercising its functions under the Gambling Act 2005 and must consult people about this.

These aim to:

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

The changes to the proposed statement of policy document include some general updates and the following matters:

• A new section on underage test purchasing, advising licensees that the Council carries out tests and outlining our expectations if licensees do their own tests (section 13.6);
• A paragraph advising licensees that their local-area risk assessment should be available on site for inspection (14.13);
• Clearer guidance to applicants on the requirements of layout plans submitted with their application (14.27 & 25.2);
• A specific section on fixed-odds betting terminals, outlining expected minimum control measures and stating the Licensing Authority view on the emerging trend of fitting privacy screens in betting shops (21.5 & 21.6). 

Cllr Mark Flewitt, cabinet member for public protection, said: “This is a great opportunity for people to have their say on this most important issue.

“The previous policy has served the town well but we are now taking up this opportunity to refine and update it and I would invite everyone interested in commenting on the proposed new policy to do so as soon as possible”.

Copies of the draft policy document are available via the Council’s website at www.southend.gov.uk/gamblingact

Any correspondence about the policy should be sent to:

Performance Team, Department for Place

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

Civic Centre

Victoria Avenue

Southend-on-Sea

Essex

SS2 6ZG

Hardcopies can be requested from

PlaceConsultations@southend.gov.uk or calling 01702215408 quoting Gambling Consultation.