The Licensing Act 2003
The Licensing Act 2003 brought about a change in thinking about children’s access to licensed premises and now it is normal for children to be allowed into pubs, clubs and other licensed premises.
Under the Act a number of ‘Responsible Authorities’ have been created, each one should be notified of any new license applications or any variations to existing licenses.
The Responsible Authorities include Police, Fire Authority, Planning Authority and the East Riding of Yorkshire Children’s Services is the ‘Responsible Authority’ in respect of the protection of children from harm.
The Gambling Act 2005
As part of licensing reform, in 2007 the Government implemented a new regulatory regime at premises where gambling activities take place, to promote safer practice in relation to children and vulnerable adults. The Gambling Act 2005 is underpinned by three objectives which the ‘Responsible Authorities’ along with licensees and their operators, must meet.
These are:
- To prevent gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder, or being used to support crime
- Ensuring 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.
The ERYC Licencing Team
The ERYC Licencing Team act as a Responsible Authority under the Gambling Act 2005 and as such, has a statutory duty to ensure gambling facilities operate responsibly so that children and other vulnerable people are protected from being harmed or exploited by gambling. There are also restrictions placed on the employment of children, or children involved in the provision of commercial entertainment, under the local Bylaws and under the Children and Young Person Act 1963 (section 18).
The Licensing Team can be contacted by telephone on (01482) 396297 or by email: licensing@eastriding.gov.uk
For advice regarding the employment of children and young people contact the council's Education Welfare Service by telephone on (01482) 392146 or
Email: education.welfare@eastriding.gov.uk