2007 sees the introduction of a new gambling licensing regime, which will be administered in Great Yarmouth by the Borough Council. Although the new licensing arrangements will not be effective until 1 September, applications can be submitted from May onwards for premises licences and permits.

The Gambling Act 2005, the regulations made under the Act and advice from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport provide the framework for the new regulatory system. Local authority staff are already gearing themselves up for this additional work, and Great Yarmouth Council is providing training to other councils in Norfolk and Suffolk.

The Council is also arranging training sessions in the early New Year for local solicitors, and for people connected with the gambling industry.

“This is a major new responsibility for the Borough Council” says Chris Skinner, Head of Member and Legal Services. “Because we have so many gambling businesses in the borough there is a lot for staff to get to grips with. Not many councils have our mix of a horse racing track, a dog track, casinos, amusement arcades betting shops and bingo halls.”

The introduction of the new arrangements follows hard on the heels of the implementation of the new licensing regime for pubs, clubs and entertainment premises in late 2005.

“The new system was introduced smoothly in Great Yarmouth and both licensees and the public have quickly got used to it. We hope that by providing training sessions for people involved in the gambling trade, whether they be arcade or betting shop owners, or people wanting gaming machines in their pubs, it will help us all to implement the new regime successfully.”

People wanting further information about the new gambling regime, or about the training sessions, should contact Linda Mockford, Licensing and Elections Manager, on 01493 846308 email lmc@great-yarmouth.gov.uk or their own local authority’s licensing section for general information on the act.