Written Question · S4W-09335 · Session 4
Whether limits could be set on the number of betting shops that can operate in certain areas, in a manner similar to the limits applied to …
The question
To ask the Scottish Government whether limits could be set on the number of betting shops that can operate in certain areas, in a manner similar to the limits applied to sex shops under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act.
The answer
Gambling is a reserved matter and the Scottish Government has no power to set limits on betting shop numbers.
Decisions about premises licences for betting shops must be made in accordance with the criteria set out in the Gambling Act 2005 and with regard to statutory guidance. Whilst the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 offers the local authority the ability to designate an appropriate number of sex shops for a locality (and for that number to be zero), neither the Gambling Act 2005 or the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 allows the same in relation to betting shops.
Decisions about premises licences for betting shops must be made in accordance with the criteria set out in the Gambling Act 2005 and with regard to statutory guidance. Whilst the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 offers the local authority the ability to designate an appropriate number of sex shops for a locality (and for that number to be zero), neither the Gambling Act 2005 or the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 allows the same in relation to betting shops.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-09335 by reference.