Gambling Policy Consultation

Overview

Somerset Council (the Council) is reviewing its Gambling Policy – Statement of Principles. This must be reviewed every three years and the review includes a statutory consultation process. The consultation will run for 7 weeks. We welcome your comments.

Somerset Council (the Council) is the licensing authority in accordance with the Gambling Act 2005. It is empowered to administer the following within the county: -

• premises licences including provisional statements, variations, transfers and reviews for premises including casinos, bingo, betting, adult gaming centres and family entertainment centres.
• permits for gambling activities such as gaming machines, prize gaming and unlicensed family entertainment centres.
• temporary use notices.
• occasional use notices.
• registrations such as small society lotteries.

The policy sets out how the Council will handle/ administer applications made in accordance with the Act and how it expects applicants to operate reasonably consistently with the following 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; and
• Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

We recommend opening the related document below before starting the survey. Please note that the document is some 66 pages long but for good reason. Our intention is that the Policy will act as clear guidance to businesses who currently operate within the county and also those that wish to set up business here. This has resulted in a detailed, robust and explanatory policy that will enable businesses, customers and the public alike to seek guidance on gambling activities and understand the legislative requirements. We have, however, prepared a detailed contents list within the document which will signpost those interested in responding to the consultation to the specific areas they consider relevant.