Part 2The Gambling Commission

I125Guidance to local authorities

1

The Commission shall from time to time issue guidance as to—

a

the manner in which local authorities are to exercise their functions under this Act, and

b

in particular, the principles to be applied by local authorities in exercising functions under this Act.

2

A local authority shall have regard to guidance issued under subsection (1).

3

The Commission shall publish guidance issued under subsection (1).

4

Before issuing guidance under subsection (1) the Commission shall consult—

a

the Secretary of State,

b

Her Majesty's Commissioners of Customs and Excise,

c

the Scottish Ministers,

d

one or more persons who appear to the Commission to represent local authorities,

e

one or more persons who appear to the Commission to represent the interests of persons carrying on gambling businesses, and

f

one or more persons who appear to the Commission to have knowledge about social problems relating to gambling.

5

Before issuing guidance under subsection (1) the Commission shall also consult, if and to the extent that the Commission thinks appropriate having regard to the nature of the guidance—

a

one or more persons who appear to the Commission to represent chief constables of police forces, and

b

in such manner as the Commission thinks appropriate, members of the public.

6

In this section “local authority” means—

a

in relation to England—

i

a district council,

ii

a county council for a county in which there are no district councils,

iii

a London borough council,

iv

the Common Council of the City of London,

v

the Sub-Treasurer of the Inner Temple and the Under-Treasurer of the Middle Temple, and

vi

the Council of the Isles of Scilly,

b

in relation to Wales—

i

a county council, and

ii

a county borough council, and

c

in relation to Scotland, a licensing board F1continued in existence by or established under section 5 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 16) .