Consultation on Statement of Policy under the Gambling Act 2005

10th August 2018

The Highland Licensing Board is now consulting on a proposed draft of its next Statement of Policy under the Gambling Act 2005 which, when finalised after consultation responses have been considered and any consequent amendments made, will become its policy statement for the period 2019-2022.

The Highland Licensing Board is required to publish, every three years, a statement of the principles that they propose to apply in exercising their functions under the Gambling Act 2005. For unknown historic reasons, The Highland Council's Gambling Policy Statement three year timeline was out of line with other local authorities. Therefore, the previous Gambling Policy Statement was agreed on 6 December 2016 and subsequently came into force on 1 January 2017 for a three year period.

It has, however, been agreed with the Gambling Commission that the three year cycle should be aligned with other local authorities who are due to renew their policy for the period 2019-2022. However, given that the Board's current policy statement is relatively new, it has been agreed that a shorter consultation period can be carried out.

Consultation responses from statutory consultees and from members of the public are invited and should be submitted by 21 September 2018. Responses should be addressed by letter to:

Claire McArthur

Depute Clerk to the Licensing Board

Council Offices

High Street

Dingwall

IV15 9QN

or by email to Claire.McArthur@highland.gov.uk

The Consultation Draft Statement of Policy can be accessed at:

https://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/19515/draft_policy_statement_2019_to_2022