Solihull Council Amends Policy On Gambling Signs In Area
Solihull Council has revealed changes to its gambling policy by publishing draft legislation. The proposed update has already won the backing of GamCare, the biggest charity in the UK aiming to combat gambling-related harms.
Rules relating to casino signs are being changed by Solihull Council. © markusspiske, Pixabay
GamCare’s Recommendations Included
Recommendations made by GamCare are among those being put into action by the council.
It said in an update that the council’s licensing authority will “work with partners to encourage and facilitate training for frontline and primary care staff to recognise the signs of gambling harm”.
The council has also proposed to “develop referral pathways to the National Gambling Helpline or local treatment providers” under the changes to legislation.
While the policy updates remain in the draft stage, they will be expected to pass in the near future, with Solihull Council following other UK councils that are taking similar steps. A full council meeting will see the proposals debated with local people on December 2.
One major policy change being put forward is that premises will be blocked from displaying and signage that suggests that they have a different premises licence to the one that is actually held.
Public Health Approach
GamCare has welcomed the steps being taken to combat gambling-related harm in Solihull.
“We welcome the position Solihull Council is taking to go beyond the mandatory and default conditions for the Gambling Act,” the charity said in a statement. “We were pleased to see Solihull Council commit to a public health approach to gambling.”
“This commitment should include training frontline and primary care staff to recognise the signs of gambling harm and develop referral pathways to the national gambling helpline or local treatment provider.”
Solihull Council’s measures follow an announcement from the UK’s Labour government, which said it is introducing a new mandatory levy for gambling operators.
It is claimed the levy will raise £100 million, with the money going to support gambling addiction.
Gambling Harms Film Screened
It is not just Solihull that is taking steps to raise awareness of gambling-related harms in the West Midlands region.
A film made by students in Walsall about gambling harms – called “The Gamble of Youth” – was recently selected by GamCare to screen in Birmingham.
Nicole Barklam, GamCare events manager, said: “It’s inspiring to see young people take such an active interest in the harms that gambling can cause and to be able to raise further awareness of the support options available, should anyone need it.
“We’re so pleased to see the level of effort that Thespian Arts have gone to in order to bring this important production to life. We’re looking forward to sharing with more young people in the United Kingdom about the harm that gambling can cause.”
