As a licensing authority, we are asking for your views on two new policies. These are two new policies for Licensing and Gambling.
The policies are intended to set out what we expect of premises licence and permit holders. These include betting shops, bingo halls, amusement arcades, gaming machines in pubs and clubs, pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs and off licences.
Gambling Licensing Policy
For the Gambling Licenses, which relate to the provision of facilities for gambling, the objectives are [as set out by the Gambling Act 2005]:
- To prevent gambling being a source of [or associated with] crime and disorder
- Ensure gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
- Protect children and vulnerable people from being exploited or harmed by gambling.
The 2021-2026 draft gambling licence policy is available here and is being consulted on for a period of twelve weeks. The deadline to comment is Sunday 27 September.
Licensing Policy
Alcohol & Entertainment Licensing, the objectives are [as set out by the Licensing Act 2003]:
- the prevention of crime and disorder
- public safety
- prevention of public nuisance
- Protection of children from harm
The 2021-2026 draft alcohol and entertainment licensing policy is available here and is being consulted on for a period of twelve weeks. The deadline to comment is Sunday 27 September.
The results
The results will be reviewed alongside replies from the service manager by a series of committees. The draft polices will be presented to Full Council on 11 February 2021 for final approval.
The aims of the policies
Both policies aim to align with the Council’s policy priorities of “staying safe and well”, “unique environment” and “economic growth” as found in the Dorset Council’s Plan 2020-2024.
When commenting, please remember that the Council wishes to balance the needs of businesses and local residents whilst encouraging a vibrant night-time economy. We also need to ensure that alcohol misuse is discouraged whilst reducing unnecessary regulations.
We invite your comments to make sure we have considered a wide range of views.
The sale of alcohol in small local shops makes it too easy to buy and to easy to drink on the streets
Hi John – thanks for your comments. I need to stress that the comments here aren’t compiled as part of the reports to members, so please do add these comments to the consultation. Best wishes, Alex.
Every thing in moderation is good but some people can’t do that. The worst form of gambling is on line, people can do it in there own homes and don’t know when to stop. I think on line gambling should be stopped completely.
I also think councils are letting to many casinos type establishment build up in arias were people are having a hard time all ready. I think there are to many casinos any way.
Fruit machines in pubs are OK as long as there are not to many and they are regulated.
I think bingo clubs are good for people to get together and have a chat.
I think there are to many betting shops as well.
Hi Valerie. Thanks for your comments. Please do fill in the consultation documents to give your opinion as I cannot add these thoughts to the papers that will be presented to members. Best wishes, Alex.
All gambling odds should be represented by the advertising ie where there is a 10 to1 Chance of winning there should be 10 adverts saying you are likely to lose for every one telling you you may win and they should be tithe same size and in the same prominent position
HI Pete – thanks for your comments. I need to stress that the comments here aren’t compiled as part of the reports to members, so please do add these comments to the consultation. Best wishes, Alex.
Are we going to ban the Lottery as well, to much nanny state, and if we stop selling alcohol in small shops we should also stop supermarkets, people need choice, and healthy competition, people are far more informed on smoking, drinking, and gambling then any time in the last 50 years
There are no calls to ban anything as a part of this consultation.