Richmond Gambling Policy Review 2015

We would welcome your feedback on the draft Statement of Principles document below which highlights the proposed changes to the policy. The draft policy encompasses the changes that have taken place in legislation, guidance and case law since the current policy was published. 

There has been very little change in the number of gambling premises in the borough under the Gambling Act 2005. This new draft gambling policy is similar in length to the previous one. We have tried to keep it to a manageable length, but also recognise that there is value to have extracts from guidance in the policy as many using it will not be familiar with the other sources of information.  This is a comprehensive document that should prove useful to applicants, gambling premises operators, other businesses and residents. 

Please read the draft policy at the link below and give us your views by completing the online survey.  If you require a paper copy of the policy or the questionnaire please contact the licensing team at licensing@richmond.gov.uk or telephone 020 8831 6455 and a copy will be sent to you. 

All comments on the policy are welcomed and will be put before the Regulatory Committee on 20 October 2015 with a revised policy. That Committee will decide on the gambling policy to be recommended for adoption by full Council on the 24 November 2015.

Please note that moral objections to gambling are not a valid reason to reject applications for premises licence and will not be considered as relevant consultation responses.  The authority’s decision cannot be based on dislike of gambling, or a general notion that it is undesirable to allow gambling premises in an area (with the exception of a no casino resolution); nor may it consider whether there is a demand for such facilities as part of its decision making.