A LOCAL authority is updating its policy on gambling establishments in the borough.

Burnley Council has launched a public consultation on the issue.

Under national legislation licensing authorities such as the council must determine and publish their gambling policy every three years.

The council’s current policy covers up until Jan 2022 and so needs to be revisedand agreed by the authority by then.

Its overall aims are to prevent gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime; to ensure that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way; and to protect children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

Cllr Bea Foster, Burnley council’s licensing boss, said: “Our gambling policy covers a wide range of

issues that affect people’s day-to-day lives, even though they may not always realise it.

"It’s vital that we have robust measures in place to ensure that people who want to gamble are protected and do so responsibly.

“It’s important that we keep our licensing policy up-to-date and review it regularly to ensure it meets the needs of our businesses and residents.”

Comments will be taken into account and proposals will go to the licensing committee for consideration before being agreed by the full council.

Responses are required by August 20.