Gambling licensing policy consultation

Under the Gambling Act 2005, we are required to publish a statement of principles (policy) that defines the principles we apply in carrying out our gambling licensing functions (as laid out in the Act).

The aim of the policy is to promote the following three licensing objectives:

• preventing gambling from being a source of crime and disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime
• ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
• protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling 

Public Consultation on the Revised Policy Statement

We are currently reviewing our gambling policy and welcome your comments on the planned changes as laid out in the revised Gambling Act Statement of Principles - consultation document 2022.

We want this policy document to:

• provide applicants with a clear, consistent basis for submitting applications and notices in Sheffield
• provide a clear, consistent basis for determining licence applications in Sheffield
• ensure the relevant views of those affected by licensed premises are taken into consideration
• ensure local area issues are taken into account by licensed premises
• support wider strategies of the City Council and the approach to gambling in the city

How to view and comment on the Statement of Principles document

Please visit our 'Have your Say' web page to view and comment on the consultation.

All comments must be submitted by 31 August 2024.

What happens after the consultation

Once the consultation has ended, the Licensing Authority will review all comments received and update the document where relevant.

This document will then go through an approval process with the Licensing Committee and up to Full Council. The approved document will be published and effective in January 2025.

How gambling policy is administered

It is important to note the different roles the Gambling Commission, Licensing Authority and the Planning Authority play in the administration of legislation when commenting on the Gambling Act policy document.

The Gambling Commission regulates gambling on a national level and is responsible for advising national and local government on gambling related issues. Gambling operators (e.g. William and Coral) will require an operating licence and any relevant personal licences from the Gambling Commission, who then apply for a premises licence from the relevant Licensing Authority.

Sheffield Planning Authority’s role in the Gambling Act relates to the granting of planning permission and in particular planning permission for betting shops. They will deal with permissions under their own legislation and any local plans which can reduce issues like clustering.

Sheffield City Council as the Licensing Authority has a duty under the legislation to issue licences to premises in their area where gambling is to take place. It can also licence certain other activities such as registering small society lotteries. Decisions by the Licensing Authority and the Gambling Commission must be made in accordance with the three licensing objectives.