Gaming - Local Risk Assessments go live 6th April 2016

With effect from 6^th April 2016 the updated social responsibility code 10.1.1. will take effect which reads:

1. Licensees must assess the local risks to the licensing objectives posed by the provision of gambling facilities at each of their premises, and have policies, procedures and control measures to mitigate those risks. In making risk assessments, licensees must take into account relevant matters identified in the licensing authority’s statement of licensing policy.
2. Licensees must review (and update as necessary) their local risk assessments:
1. to take account of significant changes in local circumstances, including those identified in a licensing authority’s statement of licensing policy;
2. when there are significant changes at a licensee’s premises that may affect their mitigation of local risks;
3. when applying for a variation of a premises licence; and
4. in any case, undertake a local risk assessment when applying for a new premises licence.

This requirement will apply to all non-remote casino, adult gaming centre, bingo, family entertainment centre, betting and remote betting intermediary (trading room only) licences, except non-remote general betting (limited) and betting intermediary licences.  It is not restricted to new applications and all existing licensees must ensure compliance by 6^th April.

The Gambling Commission do have powers to take action against Operators who remain non-compliant after 6^th April.