Britain’s Local Government Association is calling for “tough licensing powers” for municipal councils to protect their communities from an influx of betting shops.
The organization, which represents more than 370 English and Welsh councils, said changes made to zoning rules last year now make it easier for gambling companies to convert existing buildings into betting shops without the need for planning permission.
Councils also remain restricted by licensing powers that do not allow them to take into account the number of betting shops already in an area or the economic and social impact they may have. The association wants its members to be able to consider this “cumulative impact,” which would shift the onus on bookmakers to prove that new shops would not have a negative impact on local people, communities or businesses.
“Councils aren’t anti-bookies but need powers to tackle the damage that can be caused to high streets and town centers by the clustering of betting shops,” LGA spokesman Tony Page said.
“Betting industry firms like William Hill and Betfred have come out in support of tougher powers for councils, and we are keen to work with them further,” Page said. “The government must now also join us around the table and commit to reforming the licensing powers available to local people and their councils to take decisions that are right for their communities.”
