Statement from Cllr Eleanor Stanier Chair of the Licensing Committee

The modernisation of the gambling legislation covers a range of gambling from small stake small payout slot machines to unlimited payout machines, bingo halls to amusement arcades, betting shops to small lotteries and the new phenomenon of Internet gambling as well as casinos.

Under this legislation, The Gambling Act 2005 (the Act), Richmond upon Thames Council becomes the Licensing Authority. Our role is primarily to do with licensing the premises within which gambling will take place and the controlling of permits for slot machines.  The Act states three objectives that determine the direction of our responsibility:

• 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
• Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling

The Gambling Commission will deal with the high level matters of regulation of the operators, Internet gambling and the national lottery.

Our role is nonetheless important. We have in place the first Gambling Policy for the borough (called Statement of Principles by the Government). The Gambling Commission has provided guidance on what we must cover and whom we must consult. Following our twelve week consultation exercise this policy sets out our initial thoughts on how we will carry out our functions as the Licensing Authority under the Act. The Policy must not be regarded as rigid. It is the guide and starting point for our decision-making and for applicants to know in advance the likely view of the Licensing Authority.  We can act contrary to policy, but only if we act reasonably and have a strong case for acting contrary to our own policy.  This means we will look at every application on its individual merits before making our decisions.

This policy is in accordance with the legal requirements and national guidance. It does not and cannot consider issues such as demand, morality, or public nuisance because these are outside the remit of policy. I think this policy is a sensible approach to our new responsibilities within the limits of our powers.

The Regulatory Committee considered the consultation responses and amendments were made to the original draft statement. This Statement of Principles has been approved by the Regulatory Committee and adopted by full Council.  This policy is in place for the next three years. However, if in the light of new regulations or other material factors it is decided that the policy needs revising I will ensure that this occurs and that appropriate consultation again takes place. I am pleased that we have met our statutory requirements and look forward to taking on this new and challenging area of responsibility.

Cllr Eleanor Stanier