The Gambling Act 2005 (this page opens in a new window) is being phased in over the next two years (2006-2007) and will modernise the law on gambling. It will introduce a new regulator for gambling, the Gambling Commission (this page opens in a new window), to replace the old Gaming Board for Great Britain.

Although the new operator's licences and personal licences introduced by the act, will be issued and regulated by the Gambling Commission, responsibility for the issue and regulation of premises licences will lie with local authorities. These include premises licences for casinos, bingo halls, betting offices, adult gaming centres and licensed family entertainment centres and betting permits for gaming machines in pubs and other alcohol licensed premises.

Licensing authorities are required by the new act to prepare and publish a statement of the principles that they propose to apply in exercising their functions under the act. This statement will last for three years, but may be reviewed from time to time. We prepared a draft document that set out the policies that we are considering, and invited the views of any interested parties.

A summary of the main provisions of the act is also contained in a report to the Executive 13 July 2006.

Casinos
New powers are given to licensing authorities to:

• Issue premises licences for casinos. Under the previous gambling laws casinos could only be located in the ‘permitted areas’ set out in legislation. Guildford is not currently a permitted area.
• Resolve not to issue casino premises licences.

The act creates three new categories of casino, and initially allows premises licences to be issued for a total of 17 new casinos across the country. The act allows for this number to be increased, although the government has indicated that it has no current plans to do so. The Casino Advisory Panel will advise the government on the location of these new casinos.

Previous consultation has already taken place this year on the question of whether casinos should be permitted in the borough. The results of this consultation may be viewed at our casino consultation page.

On 16 March 2006 the Executive considered the results of the public consultation and resolved not to send a response to the Casino Advisory Panel’s call for proposals. This means that we will not be considered by the panel as a suitable area to licence one of the initial 17 new casinos under the Gambling Act 2005.

Further to this earlier consultation, the Executive has recommended to the council that a resolution be passed not to issue casino premises licences in the borough. If passed, such a resolution would last for a period of 3 years (without prejudice to the power of the council to make a new resolution). Details are contained at paragraph 2.9 of the draft gambling policy [PDF] (352k).

Who did we consult?
All those involved with or who are likely to be affected by licensed gambling activities within the borough. This will include the Police & other responsible authorities, members of the public, business groups, residents’ associations, faith groups, youth organisations etc.

Why did we consult?
The views of all concerned are important to us in reaching a fair and proportionate policy in respect of gambling within the borough. We wanted to give the industry and other interested parties the opportunity to be involved in the formulation of appropriate policies.

A summary of the consultation responses will be made available for public viewing prior to the meeting of the Executive on 30 November 2006. A paper copy of the summary may also be requested subject to a reasonable charge for copying and postage.

Please contact the Licensing Team for further information:

Licensing Team
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444371
Email: licensing@guildford.gov.uk