Should Council keep 'no casinos' policy? (Twickenham & Richmond Liberal Democrats)

Should Council keep 'no casinos' policy?

August 26, 2009 5:43 PM

• RICHMOND Council is calling for comments on whether its 'no casinos' policy should continue or be scrapped, as part of a consultation into its Gambling Policy.

The Council reviews the gambling policy at least every three years - even though the borough has a relatively small number of outlets and betting shops, it covers all aspects of gambling to ensure every eventuality is catered for.

Cllr Eleanor Stanier, chair of Richmond Council's Regulatory and Licensing Committees, said: "The Council wants to make sure we handle gambling applications in line with the law and our policy. Therefore it's important when we re write policy that we check to see how people and businesses feel about it. There are no new casino licences available from Government at the moment, but we want to be sure that if they are re-launched that we know how to act on them and what residents expect."

Residents are being asked to comment on:

• Any locations they feel would be unsuitable for gambling premises.

• Any problems in their areas directly related to gambling or gambling premises.

• Concerns about crime and disorder in their area believed to be connected to gambling premises.

• Any extra measures that could be taken to protect children and vulnerable persons from harm or being exploited by gambling.

The policy is a guide for people who want to run a business or gambling operation which requires a premises licence. It explains the types of licences that are available and what they allow. It also describes how residents and businesses with concerns about an application can comment.

The closing date for responses to be received is 5 pm on 2 October 2009.

Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats: