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The Gambling Act 2005
Introduction
Licensing legislation relating to gambling is starting to change; if you currently hold any form of bingo or betting shop license, amusements with prizes permit, gaming machine permit (including those in alcohol and club premises), or small society lottery registration, these changes will affect you.
Policy Consultation
The new Act comes into force from 1st September 2007. As part of the Act, each licensing authority is required to develop, consult on and publish a statement of licensing principles. The statement must set out the principles that the authority proposes to apply in exercising its licensing function under the Act.
North Hertfordshire District Council has produced a draft statement of principles that explains how it will operate the new licensing scheme for the next three years. We are now seeking public and business views on this policy and would welcome any comments.
The consultation will take place between 1st August 2006 and 30th September 2006. All responses must be received by the closing date of 30th September 2006. Where possible, and in accordance with Gambling Commission Guidance and the Gambling Act 2005, responses will be incorporated into the policy and a summary of responses will be published on NHDC’s website.
According to the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, all information contained in the response, including personal information, may be subject to publication or disclosure. Where respondents request that information given in response to the consultation be kept confidential, this will only be possible if it is consistent with these obligations.
You are welcome to comment by phone, letter, fax, or e-mail to:
Mrs. G Silverio
Licensing and Enforcement Manager
North Hertfordshire District Council
Council Offices
Gernon Road
Letchworth Garden City
Hertfordshire
SG6 3JF
01462 474478
giovanna.silverio@north-herts.gov.uk
Notice Of Publication Of Statement Of Principles
GAMBLING ACT 2005
(Licensing Authority Policy Statement) (England & Wales) Regulations 2006
On 3rd January 2007, North Hertfordshire District Council will publish its’ Statement of Principles issued under section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005.
The Statement of Principles will have effect from 31st January 2007.
The published Statement of Principles can be viewed by visiting our website:
The document can be inspected between 9.00am and 5.00pm, by prior arrangement at North Hertfordshire District Council, Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, SG6 3JF upon request. Appointments can be made by contacting 01462 474000.
Dated:3rd January 2007
Brief Overview
The Gambling act 2005 aims to promote three key licensing objectives to enable more freedom for business operators and customers, whilst clamping down on crime and disorder, and protecting children and the vulnerable. The key objectives 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, and
- Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
The Gambling Commission will be responsible for granting operating and personal licences for commercial gambling and personnel working in the gambling industry. North Hertfordshire District Council will be responsible for licensing premises in North Hertfordshire.
What should you do now?
Those affected by the Gambling Act 2005 should continue to apply for renewals in the normal way until the beginning of 2007. Further information on grandfather and continuation rights will be sent to you at a later date (information on application forms, fees, and other details have not yet been published by the Government).
The licensing team will be holding surgeries, providing guidance notes and will offer assistance where necessary. As with all legislation, it may be necessary to obtain you own independent legal advice.
Gambling Policy - Statement of Principles 
In preparation for the new Gambling Act 2005 the DCMS (Department for Culture Media and Sport) has produced some facts sheets explaining the new legislation for Local Authority Councillors as well as Local Residents. The facts sheets have been produced so to provide consistency of information given by each Local Authority
New Gambling Act Explained - Information for Local Councillors
New Gambling Act Explained - Information for Residents
