Residents and businesses are being asked to have their say on the future of gambling in the borough.
The new Gambling Act 2005 comes into force on 1 September 2007 and replaces most of the existing gambling laws. Islington Council, like other local authorities, is required to prepare, consult on and publish a gambling policy that will set out how the borough will regulate gambling premises over the next three years.
Islington Council will have responsibility for issuing premises licences and permits to bingo halls, betting shops, amusement arcades and pubs and clubs with fruit machines. While the legislation also covers casinos, there are currently no such facilities in Islington.
The Gambling Commission has been established as a new, independent, national regulator for the commercial gambling industry and will be responsible for issuing operating and personal licences.
Cllr George Allan, Executive Member for Customer Focus, Islington Council explained, "The Gambling Act gives residents who might be affected by gambling premises more of an opportunity to influence decisions.
"The council will continue to work with others to prevent gambling being linked to crime, and to protect children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited."
The consultation runs from 9 October to 20 November 2006.
Copies of the draft policy are available from:
* www.islington.gov.uk/gambling
* Licensing Service, 159 Upper Street, London N1 1RE
* 020 7527 3879
* licensing@islington.gov.uk
ENDS
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008