Gambling Act 2005

Under the Gambling Act 2005, the City Council is the Licensing Authority for gambling premises. The Council is required under the Act to update the Statement of Principles every three years. The next update will be prior to 31 January 2013.

The City Council wishes to ensure that the Winchester District continues to be a prosperous and attractive place in which to live or work, or to visit. The Gambling Statement of Principles, and the administration of licensing under the Gambling Act, will play a key role in ensuring that an appropriate balance is drawn between the interests of those people wishing to provide and enjoy licensable activities, and those who might be affected by such provision and enjoyment. The Council will continue to work with the Police, Licensees, and other partners, to achieve this objective.

The Gambling Statement of Principles is one of a number of strategies which form part of a co-ordinated approach to dealing with the community safety and crime and disorder issues which may arise. The Council is working with other partners to ensure that these strategies are properly integrated.

The Statement of Principles will set out the Council’s approach to applications under the Act and what information it expects applicants to provide with their applications. A draft statement has been prepared, and this will be considered by the Council’s Licensing and Regulation Committee, after the consultation period has expired, at its meeting on 11 October 2012.

Prior to adopting the statement, the Council is required to consult various agencies, as well as representatives of residents, businesses, and persons representing the interests of persons carrying on gambling businesses in the area. The draft consultation statement and a consultation response was available on the Council’s Websiteuntil 12 August 2012.  No representations have been received.

The draft policy will be recommended to the Licensing and Regulation Committee at its meeting of 11 October 2012, and the final Licensing Policy will be adopted by the Council on 7 November 2012.