The Gambling Act 2005 came into force on 1 September 2007. This introduced a change to the way gambling is enforced in the UK.
Applications for gambling licences are no longer considered by the Magistrates Court and the Gaming Board.
The new legislation gave responsibility to Licensing Authorities (local Councils) to undertake a number of licensing and regulatory functions in relation to gambling premises. In all their activities the authorities will be guided by the licensing objectives, which are:
1. To prevent gambling being a source of crime and disorder, being associated with crime and disorder, and being used to support crime.
2. To ensure that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.
3. To protect children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed by gambling.
The responsibilities of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council under the new Act have been set out in a document called the ‘Statement of Principles’. The statement sets out the general approach to making licensing decisions whilst promoting the three licensing objectives.
The Statement of Principles can be viewed online by clicking on the document below
or a hard copy can be obtained by contacting the Licensing Team on (01256) 845374 or email licensing@basingstoke.gov.uk
Licensing Department
Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council
Civic Offices, London Road
Basingstoke
Hants
RG21 4AH