Bradford Council Rejects Bookmakers over Public Health Concerns
In the United Kingdom (UK), Bradford City Council has announced it has rejected a proposal from Jenningsbet, one the UKs leading high street bookmakers, to open a betting shop in Bradford town center, with the council stating their decision was based on public health concerns for the local community.
Bradford City reject bookmakers proposal on public health grounds.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Jenningsbet submitted a proposal to turn a vacant former bar in the Broadway area of Bradford town into a new bookmakers' premises. The bookmaker said this new venture would bring economic activity to the area and bring customers to the town center.
The council argued that if they approved the Jenningsbet bookmakers venue it would mean there would be four betting shops on one street in the town center, which it believes is an over-concentration of gambling outlets in the vicinity. The council says the number of bookies in one area poses a public health issue to the local community because it would adversely affect vulnerable individuals and those members of the community at risk from gambling-related harm.
The proposed betting shop, adding to the numerous existing betting/gambling establishments, would be situated close to services used by many people seeking support for children and families as well as those with issues such as addiction, financial problems, and disabilities. Although children are not legally permitted to gamble, advertising and visibility of gambling companies and products in places where children and young people are present can normalise gambling and make it appear appealing.
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UK Councils Try to Link Gambling Venues to Public Health
During a tough economic environment the betting industry is able to generate a plan to regenerate a retail outlet into a gambling venue such as a bookmakers or a gaming center. If these planning proposals are based solely on merit and business revenue they are highly likely to be approved by the council planning department.
Councils in the UK are increasingly trying to block gaming venues from town and city centers by claiming that too many gambling outlets are a cause for concern to the public health of the community. This is the argument being advanced by some members of the community and councillors who have an anti-gambling agenda.
Recently the Brent Borough Council in London wrote to the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, whose department oversees gambling in the region, asking for legislation to curb the number of gaming venues in an area.
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