17 May 2007, 07/151
Council takes responsibility for gaming
licences
The 21 May heralds the start of a transitional period during which
the Council will take control for the licensing of gaming premises
across West Lancashire.
These new duties mean that the Council will take responsibility for
gaming licenses from the local Magistrates' Courts at the end of
the transitional period. From 21 May the Council will be able to
receive applications to convert all existing licenses to the new
regime.
The Gambling Act 2005, modernises the existing laws relating to
gambling in Great Britain. Under the new Act the Council will be
responsible for issuing licences for premises such as bingo clubs
and betting offices, as well as, permits for gaming machines in
pubs, clubs and other alcohol licensed premises.
The Act promotes three licensing objectives, which are: preventing
crime or disorder, 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. All applicants must be
able to demonstrate that they have addressed each of the licensing
objectives in their application.
Cllr John Baldock, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Health,
said: "To make the transition to the new gaming laws as smooth as
possible we have put a great deal of information on our Licensing
section.
"Local businesses with a gaming license must reapply to the Council
during the transitional period as if they don't have a new licence
by 1 September 2007 they won't be able to trade - it's as simple as
that. It is therefore extremely important that applications are
submitted now, well before the September deadline, so that they can
be processed in time. So please don't put it off - get it sorted
today."
For more information about the Gambling Act 2005 visit our
Licensing or
contact the Council's licensing team on 01695 577177.
Related information
> Council
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> Licensing