Wiltshire Council wants public views on new gambling policy

Residents are being invited to share their views on a new gambling policy being created by a county council.

Wiltshire Council’s draft gambling plan sets out how the council manages premises with gambling licences, and offer advice to those who apply for them.

The statement of gambling principles must be renewed by licensing authorities every three years, with the council facing an October deadline.

The consultation will run for four weeks, until Monday 5 August, with people able to give their views on the council website.

The draft document sets out how the council would apply its functions under the Gambling Act 2005, particularly when making decisions on applications for gambling premises, small lotteries and club machines.

The policy will also cover adult gaming centres, family entertainment centres, casinos, bingo premises, betting premises, tracks and travelling fai

Wiltshire Council’s current statement of licensing policy can be found on its website along with the draft policy.

Cllr Dominic Muns, cabinet member for environment, said: “Licensed premises play a prominent and important part in our local communities, and we would welcome the views of our residents, or indeed anyone who has an interest in licensing and the promotion of the licensing objectives, so that we can formalise our next policy.”

The results of the consultation will be reported back to the council’s Licensing Committee in September.