COUNTY councillor Hooke’s concerns over the existence of fixed odds betting terminals is understandable (Andover Advertiser, 13 December) but it appears he is unaware of the legal position regarding this subject.
The Gambling Act 2005 allows the existence of these machines in betting premises and thus Test Valley Borough Council is unable to take action on the matter.
This position was confirmed in the courts earlier this year when the London Borough of Newham tried unsuccessfully to refuse a betting shop licence over concerns relating to the existence of these machines.
Therefore until Parliament agrees to a change in the law the position will remain unaltered.
As a matter of interest, Andover has seen a net increase of only three betting shops since the Gambling Act was introduced in 2007.
Whilst this may be more than some would like it is considerably less than many other parts of the United Kingdom.
Michael White Licensing Manager Test Valley Borough Council
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