In accordance with the Gambling Act 2005, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council has published its gambling policies in a ‘Statement of Principles’.
Within the document it explains that from April 2016, new applicants or existing licence holders who provide gambling activities on their premises will have to assess any local risks, for example the proximity to schools, hospitals, community centres and homeless centres, when submitting new applications or varying existing licenses.
These should be included when licence operators submit their applications to the council, where they will be considered on their merits.
Cllr Dale Quigley, cabinet member for economic growth at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said:
“Whilst we appreciate that gambling is a legitimate business, it can really impact the wellbeing of residents and the wider public, and can have a detrimental impact on our local economy.
“We expect licensed operators to share the responsibility and assess any local risks that might pose a threat to children and vulnerable people who are always our priority when making these decisions.”
The council has consulted all holders of premises licenses issued under the Gambling Act 2005, as well as a number of other stakeholders such as ward councillors, parish and town councils and various authorities with a regulatory responsibility.