A NEW system of licensing for premises that are involved in gambling is to
come into force in the UK, and local authorities, including Alnwick District
Council, will be at the heart of the changes. The Gambling Act 2005 is
taking the licensing and regulation function away from the magistrates’
courts and transferring it to local authorities, placing new and extended
legal responsibilities on councillors and council officers. The new
licensing responsibilities will not come into force until April 30, 2007 but
in preparation for this new duty, the district council is consulting with
the public on how it proposes to apply these new powers. The Statement of
Principles, which is the draft gambling polic,y is available on the
council’s
website or can be posted out to anyone interested. The council welcomes
comments and feedback on the draft which will be finalised before the end of
the year. Members and officers concerned in the decision making process will
undergo training so they are fully aware of the facts and procedures to
ensure the authority provides an efficient service.