Opinions sought over use of gambling laws

AS PART of Sefton Council’s licensing duties, it is seeking the views of residents across the borough on how it implements gambling laws at businesses such as betting shops.

A public consultation will run to Monday, April 5. The council’s licensing unit will be seeking the views of local businesses with gambling licenses, as well as key partners including police and public health colleagues and members of the community.

Under the Gambling Act 2005, the council is the licensing authority for processing certain gambling applications. This means a Statement of Licensing Policy must be in place, and reviewed every three years, to show specifically how the council understands the law.

As the policy is up for review, people interested are encouraged to take part in the consultation. All comments will be collated, and as a result, changes will be suggested to the draft policy.

Cllr John Kelly, chair of Sefton Council’s licensing and regulatory committee, said: “Sefton has a duty to periodically review its licensing policies.

“This is an opportunity for not just owners of gambling businesses to submit their views, but for anyone across Sefton to find out more about how we process gambling licences and how they feel our policy could be amended.”

People can take part on the Your Sefton Your Say website.

Alternatively, those who do not have access to the online consultation can contact the Licensing Unit via email licensing@sefton.gov.uk or by calling 0345 140 0845.

The council will try to meet any other requirements anyone may have to allow them to engage in the consultation.