Witney News - West Oxon DC prepares for new gambling culture

West Oxon DC prepares for new gambling culture

West Oxfordshire District Council has published its first Gambling Act 2005 Draft Licensing Policy
Statement and is encouraging the public and Parish Councils to comment during the consultation period.

The Gambling Act received Royal Assent on the 7 April 2005. It replaces most of the existing law relating to gambling in England and Wales and puts in place a new structure of gambling regulation. A new independent regulatory body, the Gambling Commission, is being created, giving local authorities like West Oxfordshire District Council a responsibility for licensing gambling premises in their area.

September 1st 2007 is the target date for full implementation of the Act. Prior to this date the Council is required by the Act to publish a Gambling Policy (Licensing Policy Statement) and carry out public consultation on the content prior to a transitional period when applications will be submitted. Applications are likely to start to be submitted early in 2007.

The Council is inviting people to attend a consultation 'drop in' between 2 and 5pm on Thursday 27 July at
their Woodgreen Offices in Witney. Licensing Officers will be on hand to answer questions and people will be able to complete a consultation response form.

Cllr Barry Norton, Leader of the Council with responsibility for Licensing said, “The Gambling Licensing Policy Statement will contain the vision for Gambling in our district. The Council will be working with
interested parties and the public to ensure we get this right before we adopt this policy. We are
consulting with the Gambling trade, local businesses, and Parish Councils and the 'drop in' consultation is an opportunity to ask questions and outline views, I would invite people to pop along.”

The Council is currently responsible for licensing the sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment as well as taxi and street trading.

The consultation period began on the 23 June and lasts until the 15 September.