Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Public views sought over gambling policy


THE public is being asked its views on the draft version of Scarborough Council's new gambling policy as well as competition criteria for the town's new best UK casino.
Scarborough is one of 16 towns which can now hold a new-style Casino Premises Licence and the council is responsible because it is the licensing authority for the area.

A council spokeswoman said: “In preparation for the awarding of the licence, the council is amending its gambling policy and has drafted competition criteria in readiness for the forthcoming casino competition.

“The community now has an opportunity to comment on the type of regeneration activities and facilities the casino operators or developers should be encouraged to propose, by commenting on the draft gambling game policy and competition criteria.”

Casino operators will be invited to submit bids to the council’s licensing committee from early next summer.

The spokeswoman added: “Central government has determined that the best mechanism for selecting an operator is by way of a competition, essentially ‘a beauty parade’, where operators will be in competition to offer the town maximum regeneration benefits. This approach has been taken into account when drafting the competition criteria.”

Supporters believe such a plan will offer the town opportunities for regeneration and employment associated with a new casino and leisure development.

But opponents have said the town is not big enough for two casinos and the move could lead to an increase in the problems associated with gambling addiction.

The public consultation period runs until Saturday February 28.

News Sources:-
Published Date: 19 January 2009
By Ian Duncan
http://www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk/news/Public-views-sought-over-gambling.4886891.jp

0 comments:

 

Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved by Gambling Site Review Blog