Cumberland Council is inviting residents and businesses to have their say on its draft gambling and licensing policies.
Cumberland Council, as the licensing authority for the Cumberland area, is responsible for awarding licences for gambling, premises, clubs, temporary events, and individuals.
The gambling policy sets out how the council will help:
- Prevent gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder, or being used to support crime.
- Ensure that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.
- Protect children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
The licensing policy sets out how the council will support:
- The prevention of crime and disorder.
- Public safety.
- The prevention of public nuisance.
- The protection of children from harm.
The policy covers matters such as the sale of alcohol by retail and clubs, and the provision of entertainment and late-night refreshments.
Councillor Bob Kelly, Cumberland Council’s Portfolio Holder for Licencing, said: “We welcome any feedback from business representatives and members of the public.
“It is important that everyone has the opportunity to have their say on gambling and licensing in their area, and we encourage everyone to take the time to read the draft policies and share their thoughts on the matters.”
Residents and business representatives can read the draft gambling and licensing policies, and download the consultation response form, at cumberland.gov.uk/current-licensing-consultation. They can also respond online at consult.cumberland.gov.uk.
Copies of the documents and response form are also available at Allerdale House, Workington, the Civic Centre, Carlisle, and the Market Hall, Whitehaven.
Public sector organisations will also be consulted on the draft policies. Responses will be considered alongside the policy statements by the Licensing Committee on 2 August. The matter will then be discussed at a Full Council meeting on 26 September. If adopted, the new policies will come into effect from 1 November 2023.
The deadline for consultation responses is 11 July 2023. For any enquiries, please email licensing1@cumberland.gov.uk.