Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership

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 Sheffield Safeguarding Children Board Licensing Project acts on behalf of the local Safeguarding Children Board, 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.

Licensees and their operators also have legal responsibilities and are expected to operate in a socially responsible way.

The regulations offer a range of opportunities to operators and communities, to develop leisure and entertainment facilities for gambling.  The Licensing Project aims to work in partnership with licensees, their staff and other organisations so that residents and visitors to Sheffield may enjoy the city’s diverse range of gambling activities, within a safe, family friendly environment.

To help licensees and their operators provide a suitable environment for families and vulnerable adults, an advice leaflet and risk assessment tool are available to download: 

For further information please contact the Licensing Managers:SCSPsafeguardinglicensing@sheffield.gov.uk