Public to be consulted on casino
PUBLIC consultation has started on how Torbay Council plans to attract a new small casino to the resort.
The council's updated gambling policy has been published and it includes details on the application process for the small casino premises licence, including the bidding criteria.
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The council says it will hold a bidding process based on guidelines provided by the Government in due course, but a decision on when the advert to invite applications is placed has not yet been made.
Torbay Council's regeneration arm, Torbay Development Agency, successfully bid to be one of 16 areas in the UK to be given the opportunity to host a new casino.
New regulations brought into force in 2008 specify that Torbay Council can now offer a licence for a small casino between 550 and 1,500 square metres which is estimated to generate around 200 jobs and bring £7million into the Bay.
The council's community safety and community engagement councillor Louisa Aiton, said: "The council takes its responsibility for licensing very seriously. The protection of and support for the most vulnerable people is critical and will form a significant part of appraising possible operators during the tendering stage for the small casino.
"We have always seen our casino bid as fitting in closely with a wide range of regeneration initiatives to make Torbay a more exciting place to live."
The council has published for public consultation its draft 'statement of principles' which it is required to do under the Gambling Act 2005.
This includes guidelines for a wide variety of organisations including adult gaming centres, bingo premises, licensed family entertainment centres, betting premises and travelling fairs.
There is a 12-week consultation period and any comments will be considered by the council before the finalised policy is published.
It can be inspected on Torbay Council's website at www.torbay.gov.uk or at Torbay Council Libraries and Connections offices.
5 Comments
by In the money, Torbay
Saturday, August 15 2009, 8:39AM
“So the Council are going to consult us on the Casino issue, Does that mean we who speak up will get the 'Favoured' £50,000 each that all the other consultants get? , just a thought.
Look Mr. Nick, and your ship of fools, no one wants the casino so forget it, what we want are cleaner streets a lot less drunks and druggies, especially at weekends, and a much more vibrant tourist industry, just like there used to be, that brings in hard cash and job for locals, How hard is that to understand, I've written this slowly so that you might be able to keep up.”
by Loon, Torbay
Friday, August 14 2009, 10:11AM
“They didn't ask us if we wanted a new casino, so why ask us how we think we should attract a new casino into the bay?”
by Mrs Dixon, Paignton
Friday, August 14 2009, 10:10AM
“By the time I've paid for the petrol, my cards, some food and my lucky magic bingo makers it's not much short of nearly £50 for a night at the bingo so no wonder I've not got any money for the car park ! I think it's very rude of you to begrudge a pensioner an evening's entertainment.”
by Sharon, Torquay
Friday, August 14 2009, 9:53AM
“I don't think bingo should be encouraged neither, that too dear lady is a form of gambling..... Any form of gambling is bad, I have not idea what makes our nation a bunch of gamblers and binge drinkers. Thank goodness I am none of these. Although it has to be said I do drink socially occassionally so no goody two shoes, but do not do it to excess like others seem to. This is the same for gambling they don't know where to stop. What makes me mad is the bingo goers that so obviously can walk around inside the bingo hall but have badges so they don't have to pay parking and cause obstructions outside Gala in Torquay. They should all be towed away or made to park in the car park. It is getting ridiculous. They will spend money on their drinks and bingo tickets but not on a parking ticket. Strange don't you think.”
by Mrs Dixon, Paignton
Friday, August 14 2009, 9:44AM
“Except for bingo I don't think gambling should be encouraged. Why should waste tax payers' money building so-called casinos to attract highrolling toffs to the bay ? If they want to throw their money away gambling, there are plenty of machines on Paignton Pier (the penny push ones are great fun), they can use them !”