Under the Gambling Act 2005 (“the Act”), Shropshire Council is the licensing authority and is responsible for licensing and overseeing local gambling establishments and activities. Part of this responsibility is the duty to prepare and publish a statement of the principles (a policy) that the Council proposes to apply in exercising its functions under the Act. The Council’s current Gambling Act policy came into effect on 31 January 2022 and will cease to have effect on 30 January 2025. The Council must be in a position to formally adopt a revised policy with effect from 31 January 2025.

The Council has taken the opportunity to revise the content of the policy to reflect the latest guidance issued to licensing authorities by the Gambling Commission, to provide practical clarity to existing and potential licence holders and to assist Council officers to correctly apply the legal provisions of the Gambling Act 2005.The revision has led to minor amendments that update guidance references and the Local Area Profile has also been refreshed.

The Council welcomes and encourages all interested parties to provide feedback in relation to the content and format of the draft policy, which can be found at the following link:

https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/gambling-act-policy-consultation-2024/

The consultation period commences on Monday 18 March 2024 and closes on Sunday 9 June 2024. Representations should be made to, and further advice may be sought from, the Licensing Team on licensing@shropshire.gov.uk.