Business Section!Business
Gambling
During 2007 the present system administered by the courts of licensing  premises used for gambling will come to an end and will be replaced by a new system of personal, operating and premises licences which will be issued by the Council and by the Gambling Commission. 
 
The Council will be responsible for the issue of the new premises licences and these will be required for establishments such as betting shops, bingo halls and amusement arcades with higher payout gaming machines.
 
The Gambling Commission will be responsible for the issue of the new personal and operating licences for these types of premises.
 
Between 31st January 2007 and 27th April 2007 applications must be made to the Council for the new premises licences in readiness for them to come into effect on 1st September 2007.
 
STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES
 
The Council has published a draft policy document called the 'Statement of Principles' in recognition of its responsibilities as the new licensing authority and to help applicants and all those who have a stake in the new licensing system to understand their responsibilities.
 
The Statement will form the basis upon which the Council will treat applications for the new premises licences and also applications for gaming machine permits.
 
It includes the three licensing objectives that underpin the new system;
  • 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.
The Statement of Principles has been published in draft form for the purposes of consultation upon its content.   The consultation period runs until 31st October 2006 and any comments on the Council's proposed licensing policy should be submitted in writing to;
 
Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council
Licensing Section (Environment and Development)
Municipal Buildings
Earle Street
Crewe
CW1 2BJ
 
or by e-mail to licensing@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk
 
Click here to view the (draft) 'Statement of Principles'
 
THE GAMBLING COMMISSION
 
The Gambling Commission took over the role of the former Gaming Board for Great Britain in 2006.    Between 1st January 2007 and 27th April 2007 the Gambling Commission will be responsible for dealing with applications for personal and operating licences under the new system. 
 
The address of the Gambling Commission is Victoria Square House, Victoria Square, Birmingham B2 4BP.    [http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/]