The Licensing Committee of Northumberland Council met on Thursday 10 September 2026. The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss initial proposals for the refresh of the council's licensing policy under the Gambling Act 2005.

Gambling Act 2005: Initial Proposals for Refresh of Licensing Policy

The committee was scheduled to consider initial proposals for the refresh of Northumberland County Council's licensing policy under the Gambling Act 2005. This policy sets out the principles the council will apply when exercising its functions related to the regulation of gambling activity. The report indicated that the development of this policy was being led by the Cabinet, with initial proposals being presented to the Licensing Committee as part of a consultation process. The council is required by the Gambling Act 2005 to periodically refresh this policy, with the development process involving Cabinet, Scrutiny, and ultimately, the County Council for approval. The report highlighted that the refreshed policy aimed to move towards a more modern, evidence-led public protection framework, placing greater emphasis on gambling-related harm, deprivation, safeguarding, public health, and local communities. It also proposed strengthened expectations around local risk assessments and partnership working with public health and safeguarding bodies. The committee was recommended to note the report considered by Cabinet and to consider the initial proposals, with the Chair delegated to present the committee's comments to the Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The report also detailed the legislative framework of the Gambling Act 2005, outlining its three licensing objectives: preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, ensuring fair and open gambling, and protecting children and vulnerable persons. It explained the dual regulatory responsibility between the Gambling Commission and local authorities, with councils responsible for issuing premises licences and permits, and publishing licensing policies. The document provided an overview of the local context in Northumberland, including its demographics and the types of gambling activity regulated by the council, such as premises licences for casinos, bingo halls, and betting premises, as well as permits for gaming machines and lotteries. It also addressed the prevalence of gambling harm, noting that vulnerable and disadvantaged people are more likely to experience greater harm. The policy development process was described, including consultation with stakeholders and the council's commitment to a public health approach to gambling regulation. The report also outlined the council's scheme of delegation for licensing decisions and listed the responsible authorities with whom the council must engage.

The document included detailed sections on various aspects of premises licences, including general principles, the definition of premises, and considerations regarding location. It emphasised the requirement for licensees to conduct local risk assessments, detailing the factors that should be considered, such as proximity to schools, demographics of the area, and the protection of vulnerable groups. Specific guidance was provided for different types of premises, including Adult Gaming Centres, Licensed Family Entertainment Centres, Casinos, Bingo premises, Betting premises, and Tracks. The policy also covered permits, notices, and lottery registrations, including Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centre gaming machine permits, gaming machine permits in alcohol-licensed premises, prize gaming permits, club gaming and club machine permits, temporary use notices, occasional use notices, and small society lottery registrations. Appendices provided a glossary of terms, a scheme of delegation, and a contact list for responsible authorities.