Gaming follows licensing lead - Peter Coulson

Alas! In spite of all the protestations and reassurances, it looks as if the gaming change-over is going the same way as alcohol licensing - late and rushed.

News of a three-month postponement for local authorities to begin processing applications for gaming licences comes at a time when the comprehensive timetable issued by the Department for Culture Media & Sport (DCMS) for publishing consultation documents on various parts of the gambling laws has also slipped.

Admittedly, most of these do not affect the pub trade. But they do affect clubs, leisure centres and others who may have more than a passing interest in gambling as well as alcohol and entertainment.

Not having the regulations well in advance creates problems, because gambling is a highly regulated business. I note that the DCMS is at pains to point out in literature the comparison between numbers - far fewer premises are affected by gambling laws than by the Licensing Act.

But this is not strictly true. Almost all pubs and clubs have gaming machines of one kind or another, and they want to know where they stand with regard to the changeover period.

Such literature as has been published for the "consumer" end of the trade is, I am pleased to say, clear and adequate. For the most part, it advises licensees, rather like Corporal Jones in Dad's Army: "Don't panic!" There is also a clear indication that the switched-on local authorities who have by now completed their Licensing Act work are likely to find most of the administrative part of the gambling transition well within their grasp.

But gambling laws are much more complex and wide-ranging even than entertainment, certainly than alcohol. A lot more understanding of complex issues devolves onto local officers, who may have to call regularly on the local government co-ordinator LACORS and the Gambling Commission for help.

Poker and bingo are good examples. Both of them can be played in a variety of situations, and may well find their way into more pubs. Are local authority licensing officers in a position to unravel the gambling laws for licensees at this stage? I rather think not.

Tons of homework lies ahead!