Gambling and Lotteries in Hounslow

Risk Assessment (LARA) Guide

Introduction to LARA

The Local Area Risk Assessment (LARA) is a requirement for certain gambling licensees under the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). It ensures that operators assess and manage local risks associated with providing gambling facilities.

Who needs to conduct a LARA?

All non-remote casino, adult gaming centre, bingo, family entertainment centre, betting and remote betting intermediary (trading room only) licences are required to conduct a LARA. Exceptions include non-remote general betting (limited) and betting intermediary licences.

Key requirements of LARA:

  1. Risk assessment:
    • Licensees must evaluate the local risks to the licensing objectives at each premises, incorporating the licensing authority’s Statement of Licensing Policy.
  2. Review and update:
    • Licensees must regularly review and update their assessments in response to:
      • Significant changes in local circumstances.
      • Changes at the premises that may influence risk mitigation.
      • Applications for licence variations or new premises licences.

Conducting a LARA

  • Competence required:
    • The assessment should be conducted by someone with a robust understanding of the LCCP provisions and knowledge of the local area.
  • Inclusion of staff:
    • It is best practice to involve individuals working at the premises in creating and updating the LARA for greater insight and effectiveness.

Additional recommendations:

  • While not mandatory, maintaining a copy of the current LARA at the premises is advisable for reference and compliance assurance.

Local Area Risk Assessment: Mitigating Risks in 'Hotspots'

The Local Area Profile identifies 'hotspots' with heightened risks of gambling-related harm. These areas may change, so it's essential for operators to keep updated and adjust their Local Area Risk Assessment (LARA) accordingly.

Identified issues and recommended measures:

  1. Prevalence of drug offences:
    • Mitigation measures:
      • Employ trained door staff to deter drug activities.
      • Implement secure storage for seized drugs.
      • Install CCTV in secluded areas.
      • Supervise toilets to monitor for drug use.
      • Train staff on identifying and reporting drug use.
      • Develop a specific policy on drug-related issues.
      • Log incidents and notify the police accordingly.
  2. Anti-Social behaviour:
    • Defined as behaviour causing harassment, alarm, or distress (Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003 and Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011).
    • Mitigation measures:
      • Train staff to report anti-social behaviour to the police.
      • Strengthen premises security with effective locks and alert systems.
      • Ensure exterior visibility with quality lighting.
      • Install visible CCTV.
      • Collaborate with other local businesses in crime reduction schemes.
  3. Proximity to schools and youth reas:
    • Mitigation measures:
      • Implement robust age verification procedures.
      • Train staff to manage truancy and nuisance from youth.
      • Establish procedures for managing children accompanying adults.
      • Enhance test purchasing and integrate results into LARA.
      • Consider age verification technology on gaming machines.
  4. Proximity to vulnerable population facilities:
    • Facilities like addiction treatment centres or houses of multiple occupation.
    • Mitigation measures:
      • Provide enhanced training for staff on identifying vulnerabilities.
      • Equip staff to guide individuals to appropriate help resources.
      • Train staff on refusing service to those showing gambling harm signs.
      • Increase signage for gambling harm support.

These measures aim to create safer environments and ensure compliance with the Local Area Profile requirements, enhancing community safety and well-being.

 

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