The Gambling Act 2005 has three licensing 'objectives' which
are:
- 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 people from being
harmed or exploited by gambling.
If you think there might be an immediate threat to the
well-being or safety of a child or vulnerable person you should
dial 999 straight away.
If you are concerned that the licensing objectives are not being
upheld - for example, you may have seen a child playing a
high-stake gaming machine or suspect that unlicensed gambling has
taken place at a premises - please let the Licensing Team have as
much detail about the situation as you can.
You can download or print off a
complaint sheet (new window PDF 28KB) that
sets out the information required. The form can be posted to you
if you ring the Licensing Team on 01394 444802
or email
licensing@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.
Once the complaint sheet has been completed, please return it to
the Licensing Team.
Follow this link for help with downloading and opening PDF files.
Alternatively, a letter or email that describes the problem you
have had will be just as useful - our address is at the bottom of
this page.
Please note that your personal details will not be made known a
licence holder without your prior consent. You can also ask a
representative to write on your behalf.
Depending on the type of problem, the Gambling Commission and/or
the police or another agency may need to be involved, and we will
tell you this once we have looked into the matter.
What happens next?
Having received details of the complaint we will reply to you
within seven working days. We will also make sure to:
- Advise you of any options that may be available to you if we
cannot help with the problem.
- Keep you informed about the progress of an investigation, if an
investigation is carried out.
- Advise you of the outcome of an investigation, and any action
taken to resolve the problem, within twenty-eight days of receiving
your complaint. (Please note that if an investigation results in a
review of a premises licence, or a court case, it may not be
possible to solve the problem within 28 days.)
Contact details
For more information and advice please contact:
Licensing Team,
Suffolk Coastal District Council,
Melton Hill,
Woodbridge,
Suffolk IP12 1AU.
Telephone: 01394 444802.
Fax: 01394 385100.
Email:
licensing@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.
Back to Complaining about a licensing
issue