Why are we consulting?

Under the Gambling Act 2005 (‘the Act’), the Council is the licensing authority and is responsible for licensing and overseeing local gambling establishments. Part of this responsibility is the duty to prepare and publish a statement of the principles (a policy) that the Council proposes to apply in exercising its functions under the Act.

The Council’s current Gambling Act policy came into effect on the 31 January 2022 and will cease to have effect on the 30 January 2025. The Council must be in a position to formally adopt a revised policy with effect from 31 January 2025. In order to satisfy the specific legal requirements, set down in the Gambling Act 2005, the Council needs to carry out the consultation process from 18 March 2024 to the 9 June 2024.

What does the revised policy seek to achieve?

The Council has taken the opportunity to revise the content of the policy to reflect the latest guidance issued to licensing authorities by the Gambling Commission, to provide practical clarity to existing and potential licence holders and to assist Council officers to correctly apply the legal provisions of the Gambling Act 2005.

The revision has led to minor amendments that update guidance references.

The Local Area Profile has been refreshed and is incorporated into the draft Gambling Act 2005 Policy Statement 2025 – 2028; it may be found at Appendix B of the draft Policy. The Profile maps local areas of concern, including actual and future emerging evidence based risks that may impact on the licensing of gambling premises and activities. Operators are encouraged to use the Profile to help inform them of specific risks prior to submitting licence applications.

Following the formal consultation process, an analysis of the responses received will be undertaken and the results collated for the Strategic Licensing Committee (SLC) to consider. A revised policy document, with relevant tracked changes, will be made available to the SLC in time to ensure the revised policy is in force by the 31 January 2025.

The Council welcomes and encourages all interested parties to provide feedback in relation to the content and format of the whole policy.

The consultation period commences on Monday 18 March 2024 and closes on Sunday 9 June 2024.

The draft ‘Statement of Principles’ is available below:

Documents

• Gambling Act 2005 Policy Statement 2025 to 2028 - Consultation Copy.pdf

All comments and representations should be made, and further advice may be sought from, the Licensing Team at:

Email: licensing@shropshire.gov.uk

Telephone: 0345 678 9026

Post: Trading Standards & Licensing Service, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6ND