Aberdeenshire Licensing Board's Gambling Policy

What you told us

We were seeking views in respect of our proposed gambling policy for 2025 to 2028. The consultation on the policy was extremely wide with views sought from licence holders, community councils, relevant bodies, statutory partners and members of the public.

No comments were received in respect of Parts A, B and C of the policy. The following general feedback was received:

• “It is a good document and sets out clearly how the Board will implement the policies.”
• “I think the draft is well written and uses language which is easy to absorb and understand. It also uses very few acronyms which helps immensely.”
• “The short list of changes helps navigate the document.”

In terms of the local area profile(s) which sit alongside the policy the following feedback was received:

• “I think it describes the area in general terms well and could guide any researcher to specific areas for investigation and consideration in regard to any assessments needed to furnish an application.”
• “Contains a useful summation of data despite not being overly wordy”.

What we are doing

Based on the feedback received, no fundamental changes were made to the policy as a result of the engagement exercise, thereafter, the proposed policy was considered and approved by the Aberdeenshire Licensing Board at their meeting on the 29th of October 2025.

In line with the legislation, officers arranged for the relevant notice to be published in the Press and Journal on the 7th of November 2025, confirming that the Board intend to publish the approved policy on the 5th of December and that this would take effect from that date.

Members of the public were informed through this notice and the others put up by officers within our offices and libraries of their entitlement to inspect the policy prior to its adoption.

In line with the legislation and notice the policy was published and took effect on the 5th of December 2025.

Although positive comments were received in respect of the local area profile that sits alongside the policy, we are continuing to work on this with a view to improving these further so that licence holders and communities are well informed when it comes to the licensing position within their area and Aberdeenshire more generally.

As always the Board is happy to receive feedback in respect of its policies.

You can view the original project here: Aberdeenshire Licensing Board's Gambling Policy | Engage Aberdeenshire