Views are being sought to help inform a review of Carmarthenshire’s gambling policy.
Feedback is wanted from residents, businesses, licence holders and their representatives as part of a survey that’s now running until June 1.
Law dictates that the current gambling policy, formally adopted by Carmarthenshire Council in February 2016, has to be reviewed every three years to ensure views from local communities across the county are regularly reflected.
Guided by the UK Government’s Gambling Act of 2005, the Carmarthenshire policy regulates activities including betting, bingo and gaming machines in places like arcades, clubs, pubs, family entertainment centres and betting shops.
Some of the questions forming part of the survey include whether people are aware of gambling related problems in their communities and if they know of organisations either locally or nationally that provide advice and support for gambling related problems.
Cllr Philip Hughes, Carmarthenshire Council’s Executive Board Member for Public Protection, said: “Maintaining a vibrant night-time economy across the county is important, but we need to ensure gambling doesn’t exploit the vulnerable or become a source of crime and disorder.
“Gambling has to be conducted in a fair and open way, so we’re looking for as much feedback as possible during this consultation exercise to ensure we’re able to maintain an effective licensing system for Carmarthenshire as a whole, while striking the right balance to meet the needs of residents and businesses.
“All views submitted will help inform a revised gambling policy for Carmarthenshire, which will go to Full Council for approval later this year.”
Other questions forming part of the live survey include whether people are aware of any premises where problems have arisen from gaming machines being made available to the public. People are also being asked if they know of problems arising from gambling premises being located close to buildings like schools and treatment centres for drug, alcohol or other addictions.
The survey is now available online on Carmarthenshire Council’s homepage in the ‘Have your say’ section. Hard copies can also be requested by contacting Emyr Jones from the council’s licensing team on EORJones@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or 01267 228717.
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