Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 requires all Licensing Authorities to prepare and publish a Statement of Principles that they propose to apply in exercising their functions under the Act during the three-year period to which the policy applies.
View the draft Statement of Principles
The Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council policy is out for consultation until 31 December 2024.
This Statement of Principles endeavours to carefully balance the interests of those who provide facilities for gambling and people who live, work in, and visit Tonbridge and Malling. Its focus is to aim to permit gambling, as required by section 153 of the Gambling Act 2005, in so far as it is:
- In accordance with the Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice.
- In accordance with the Gambling Commission’s Guidance to Licensing Authorities that is in effect at the time the application is considered.
- Reasonably consistent with the licensing objectives.
- In accordance with the Statement of Principles.
The three licensing objectives are:
- Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or 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.