Archived press
release.
Residents and businesses now have the chance to give their views
on a proposed set of principles that are set to be used by Suffolk
Coastal when next year it takes on new duties to control gambling
in the district.
The Gambling Act 2005 replaces most of the existing law about
gambling in Britain except the National Lottery and spread betting.
In particular, it brings Internet gambling into regulation and
transfers some licensing responsibilities from the magistrates
court to district and borough councils.
The Act will come into force on September 1 next year, following
a transition period starting on January 1, 2007. By that time local
authorities must have a statement of principles that they will
apply when dealing with their duties under the Act. Councils in
Suffolk have worked together to draw up a draft statement upon
which the public can make comment.
“I am sure we all welcome the main aims of the new Act - to keep
gambling crime free, make sure that gambling is fair and open, and
protect children and vulnerable adults from being harmed or
exploited by gambling,” said Councillor Norman Bugg, Chairman of
the Licensing and Health Committee.
“From January next year, this Council will be given updated, new
and hopefully stronger powers to license and control gambling in
our district, and we are seeking the views of our residents and
businesses on how we intend to use those powers.
“Local authorities have been given these responsibilities
because they are best placed to integrate policy on premises with
wider issues in the community, they are both accessible and
accountable to residents, and will be able to consider applications
for gambling premises in tandem with alcohol and entertainment
licences.
“This is a sensible way forward but we still await all the
regulations and guidance that will support the Act, and information
about funding any extra costs. We just hope that all this arrives
in good time, unlike our recent experience with the new licensing
requirements last year, ” added Councillor Bugg.
The Act comprehensively updates existing gambling laws that are
several decades old, providing new powers and protections for both
new and old forms of gambling. Some 90 percent of the Act is said
to be about new protections.
According to the Government, its top priority remains one of
social responsibility and specifically protecting the public,
especially children and the vulnerable. At the same time, it is
seeking to create a new regime, which has at its heart firm but
fair regulation allowing people to enjoy gambling responsibly,
encourages an important industry to thrive by behaving responsibly,
and protects the vulnerable. In its words ‘a robust regime is
good for players, providers and investors.’
In addition, the Act seeks to encourage close, open and
consultative working with all stakeholders – the industry; faith,
belief and community groups; researchers and those dealing day to
day with problem gamblers.
The responsibility for licensing gambling operators, individuals
and premises will be split between local licensing authorities and
the newly formed Gambling Commission. The Commission will be
responsible for the licensing of operators and individuals, while
local councils will assume responsibility for the licensing of
gambling premises and the issue of various other registrations,
permits and temporary use authorisations.
Suffolk Coastal is now asking for responses to the draft
statement of principles. The consultation period closes on November
1, 2006 and the full statement of principles, together with a
downloadable response form is available from the Council’s
website.