Give your views on gambling licence policy

GAMBLING establishments and people living in West Lancashire are being asked for their views on the council’s revised policy for licensing gambling premises across the borough.

West Lancashire Borough Council is responsible for issuing licences for premises such as bingo halls and betting offices, as well as permits for gaming machines in pubs, clubs and other alcohol licensed premises.

Under the Gambling Act 2005, the council is required to publish a ‘statement of policy’ to set out how it would enforce this responsibility.

The document must be renewed every three years. The council is now in the process of refreshing the policy and wants comments from the public.

The draft policy proposes several important changes to address potential safeguarding concerns, including a requirement for licensed premises to carry out local risk assessments to ensure the business takes account of its community impact.

People have until November 4 to give their views, which will be taken into account by the Council before the policy is published early next year.

Councillor Kevin Wright, portfolio holder for Health and Community Safety, said: “Our policy has three objectives: to prevent crime or disorder, ensure that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way, and protect children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.”

To read the document, visit www.westlancs.gov. uk/gamblingact and click on the link entitled ‘Statement of policy’.

You can email your comments to licensing. enquiries@westlancs.gov. uk, or post your comments in to West Lancashire Borough Council, Robert Hodge Centre, Stanley Way, Skelmersdale, WN8 8EE.