Burnham to scrap Aim to Permit in bid to “restore our high streets”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to revoke the Aim to Permit rule as of next year, with 24-hour AGCs requiring full planning permission from local authorities and communities given “a stronger say over whether new betting shops are right for their area.”
Steady as she goes: PM Burnham keen on DCMS stability as Nandy stays in post, but industry still awaiting news of Twycross
Lisa Nandy is to retain her role at DCMS in Andy Burnham’s new cabinet. It’s a stability that will come as a bit of a laugh to all stakeholders. Having seen 9 secretaries of state in ten and a half years, DCMS serves as the solitary key department to see no change at the top. But there’s still the middle order to come as the ministerial levels await their fate. Baroness Twycross’ role still remains uncertain, the current Gambling Minister is reappointed to the DCMS, but the department portfolios have yet to be determined. So, we may still see the revolving door swing around as we wait on the decision for the ministerial office for gambling.
Peter Hannibal: “You cannot tax businesses on the high street into growth. You cannot over-regulate businesses into growth…
Peter Hannibal, Chief Executive of the Gambling Business Group, is acutely alert to the uncertainty that the current political upheaval brings. “I think the land based gambling industry will be watching proceedings with the same sense of alarm as every other business sector in the country. True, we have our own very specific issues with a Gambling Act Review that’s heading into its eighth year and is effectively driving our sector back to the beginning of this century rather than looking forward to a progressive new framework,” he told Coinslot.
Gambling Commission just cannot shake off accusations of dodgy data dealings – but will it drag in HM Treasury?
Highly regarded analyst Dan Waugh’s explosive claims that the Gambling Commission overstated its own GSGB problem gambling stats during the final stages of the Budget preparation has fuelled a war of words – and they’re all waged against the regulator. Did it or did it not deliberately elevate an assessment of higher gambling harm levels to encourage higher taxes on the industry? Many analysts believe so: but the Commission is keeping schtum. But that silence may cause bigger problems: could the dodgy data scandal drag HM Treasury’s integrity into the arena too?
Dispute over Council’s response to rides as Blackpool’s South Pier goes to a public inquiry
Blackpool Pier Company has appealed Blackpool Council’s “disingenuous” decision to twice refuse planning permission for two new rides on the headland at South Pier, with the dispute to go before a public inquiry at the Town Hall next month.
A strong showing for second ARE Expo as industry pushes back against stress points with top products and quality engagement in Manchester
These are tough times for industry exhibitions as businesses try to counter rampaging costs by cutting back on their outgoings. But the second edition of ARE held its own at the Cotton Sheds in Manchester last week, pulling in the UK’s leading manufacturers, distributors and systems innovators. Offering a new brand of boutique show, ARE delivered the best new products on the market and top quality discussion.
Licensing experts call for talks on Gambling Impact Assessments as fears grow over fundamental flaws
“Imposing Gambling Impact Assessments into the licensing process, and the requirement to provide credible and robust evidence to back them up is not a licensing framework people can work with easily, if at all.”
James Fergusson highlights revenue-driving cabinets and Blueprint’s compelling content on show at ARE Expo
Some of the industry’s most successful gaming products confirm Blueprint Operations’ commitment to the market and to ARE Manchester. Director of Product and Sales James Fergusson provides a taster of what visitors to the BPO stand will see and expands on the impact of the latest Bullseye B3 which, following its launch at the end of February, has shot straight into the brand’s top five performing games.
GBG to host high street regeneration workshop and betting breakfast at ARE
A breakfast gathering at this year’s ARE Expo will bring the UK’s retail betting sector into sharper focus, ahead of a key midday workshop examining the future of the high street.
Matt Bicknell backs U-Turn on pub business rates but urges joined-up strategy to include stakes and prize uplift
Regal Gaming Technologies has been leading from the front with a £60m investment programme to deliver a contemporary connected and world-leading pub gaming offer. Managing Director Matt Bicknell has welcomed the Government’s decision to address pub business rates but argues that what’s required is a joined-up strategy and that includes an increase in stake and prize levels for pub gaming machines.