Residents are being asked how likely a new council policy will “protect children and vulnerable persons from harm” and “prevent crime”, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Haringey Council has launched a consultation on its gambling policy.

Local authorities’ statement of gambling principles must be renewed every three years, with a deadline of Tuesday, 3rd September, set for comments on Haringey’s proposals.

In the consultation residents are being asked how likely the policy will “protect children and vulnerable persons from harm” and “prevent gambling premises from being a source of crime”.

Whether residents take part in gambling and at what location “on the high street or online” is also being asked.

Council policy must cover the issuing of gambling premises licenses, regulating gambling activity, and granting temporary or occasional use notices for infrequent betting and gaming.

The new draft policy, which will apply from 2025 until 2028, contains more information about the socio-econimic make-up of the borough compared to previous policies, along with the impacts of gambling harm in communities in an attempt from the council to protect people living in “high risk” areas.

Minutes from a cabinet member signing in July stated that areas in the east of the borough were “at high risk of gambling related harm” and were not “generally” going to be considered appropriate for further gambling establishments.

However, the Gambling Act 2005 states councils were still required to “aim to permit” applications. Therefore, Haringey has asked for operators to “consider very carefully” locating new premises or relocating existing premises within an area identified as “high risk” and to ensure it was consistent with licensing objectives.

To take part in the draft gambling policy consultation:
Visit Haringey’s draft gambling policy 2025-2028 consultation

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