The Gambling Act 2005 came into force in September 2007. In preparation each licensing authority was required to develop, consult and publish a statement of principles. The statement sets out the principles that the authority proposes to apply in exercising its licensing functions under the Act. The Licensing Authority is required to review the Statement of Principles every three years and it must be consulted upon, approved and published. The Gambling Act aims to promote 3 key objectives to enable more freedom for business operators and customers, whilst clamping down on crime and disorder and protecting children and the vulnerable. The 3 key objectives are:
Preventing gambling 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
The Gambling Commission is responsible for granting operating and personal licences for commercial gambling and personnel working in the industry. This licensing authority licences gambling premises in the St Albans City and District.
What you need to know
Under the Gambling Act 2005, a Premise Licence is required for any of the following types of premise:
Casino
Bingo Hall
Betting Shop
Betting [track]
(these are sporting venues, not just race tracks) Amusement Arcades
There are six types of Premise Licences:
Casino Premise Licence
Bingo Premise Licence
Betting (Track) Premise Licence
Betting (other) Premise Licence
Adult Gaming Centres
(for category B3, C and D gaming machines) Family Entertainment Centres (for category C and D gaming machines) There are also Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centres that can only have category D gaming machines
Statement of Principles Revision
The Act requires the Council to publish its Statement of Principles every three years and to carry out a consultation. The revised policy went out for consultation on 13th July 2009 and the formal consultation period closed on 9th October 2009. The revision of the Statement of Principles was considered by the full Council who approved the revised Statement of Principles at a meeting on 25th November 2009. A decision was taken by full council on 25th November 2009 to continue with a no casino resolution.
Potential licence applicants should note that as a 'no-casino' resolution has been passed by this authority no applications for casino premises licences will be considered. Any applications received will be returned with a notification that a 'no-casino' resolution is in place.
The revised policy which will come into force on 31st January 2010 is below.