Revised Statement Of Gambling Policy (2019-22)

Overview

Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 requires all licensing authorities to prepare and publish a statement of licensing principles that they propose to apply in exercising their functions under the Act. This is commonly known as a statement of policy.

The Statement of Gambling Policy forms the licensing authority’s mandate for managing local gambling provision and sets out how the licensing authority views the local risk environment and therefore its expectations in relation to operators with premises in the locality. This statement of policy is to be reviewed every three years. The next review of the statement is due by January 2019.

Section 349(3) of the Act requires licensing authorities to consult with the following on their statement of policy or any subsequent revision:

• In England and Wales, the chief officer of police for the authority’s area
• In Scotland, the Chief Constable of the police force maintained for the police area comprising that area
• One or more persons who appear to the authority to represent the interests of persons carrying on gambling businesses in the authority’s area
• One or more persons who appear to the authority to represent the interests of persons who are likely to be affected by the exercise of the authority’s functions under the Act

Why your views matter

As part of the review process, we are seeking views on the proposed revisions to Lewisham’s Statement of Gambling Policy to ensure that applicants and interested parties are dealt with in a fair and open manner.

The policy contains principles by which Lewisham Council processes gambling licence applications. It ensures that applications are considered with due regard to safeguarding the quality of life for residents, children and vulnerable adults by ensuring that residents and others are fully informed about gambling activity in their area and have an opportunity to comment.