Review of Barking and Dagenham's Gambling Policy

What is the Council's Gambling Policy?

Under the Gambling Act 2005, Barking and Dagenham Council is required, as the Licensing Authority, to publish a statement of principles (policy) which define the principles we will apply in exercising our gambling licensing functions under the Act.

The aim of the policy is to promote the following three licensing objectives:

• Preventing gambling from being a source of crime and disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime;
  
• Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way;
  
• Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling

Why are we consulting?

Barking and Dagenham Council is currently reviewing its Gambling Policy and we want this policy document to:

• Provide applicants with a clear, consistent basis for submitting applications and notices in the borough;
  
• Provide a clear, consistent basis for determining license applications in the borough
  
• Ensure the relevant views of those affected by licensed premises are taken into consideration;
  
• Ensure local area issues are taken into account by licensed premises; and
  
• Support wider strategies of the Council and the approach to gambling in the borough

What are the main changes?

• We've taken the opportunity to revise the content of the policy to reflect the latest guidance issued to licensing authorities by the Gambling Commission. This seeks to provide practical clarity to existing and potential licence holders and to assist council officers in correctly applying the legal provisions of the Gambling Act 2005.

• The 'local area profile' has been refreshed and is incorporated as Appendix D in the draft policy document. We have also made this available to view as a separate document under the 'Key Documents' section of this page. The profile maps local areas of concern, including actual and future emerging evidence-based risks that may impact on the licensing of gambling premises and activities. Operators are encouraged to use the profile to help inform them of specific risks prior to submitting licence applications.

Why your views matter

The council recognises that good management of the gambling industry, including its impact on residents, amenities, and the local environment, is essential to the continued success in the borough. The council expects licensed operators to demonstrate best practice by being responsible, open, inclusive, and equal operators. It also recognises that there are some people within the Borough who may be vulnerable to gambling-related harm or suffer from problem gambling.

We are committed to consulting with as wide an audience as possible regarding this and would therefore welcome your comments on the revised draft Gambling Policy 2022-2025, available at the top of this page.

All views will be considered and given proper weight. The policy will then go through an approval process with the Licensing Committee and up to Full Council.

We really appreciate you taking the time to provide your feedback. The consultation will close on 30th December 2022.