‘Gambling legislation needs fundamental reform’ – Newry MLA | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

‘Gambling legislation needs fundamental reform’ – Newry MLA

SDLP MLA for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty has called for the Department for Communities to make swift progress on the reform of betting and lotteries legislation.

Speaking to Newry Times, McNulty explained, “Betting, gaming and lotteries legislation in the North is outdated and in need of urgent reform.

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“Our present legislation is in place since 1985 and whilst legislation in England, Scotland and Wales has since been updated, our regulations remain outdated and of a different era.

 

 

“In 2011 the then Department of Social Development recognised the need for reform and a process was commenced.

“A public consultation exercise was completed but since then nothing has happened.

“Whilst many may think this legislation is primarily about betting shops or lotteries, it also impacts on simple fundraising efforts of sports and community groups right across the North,” he insisted.

 

 

“The legislation must be updated as a priority. It must be modern and fit for purpose, it must recognise the needs of community and sporting clubs.

“In the continued absence of an Assembly and Executive I would call on the Department for Communities to begin the process of reviewing the legislation, have a fresh consultation exercise carried out and have proposals ready for adoption as a priority.

McNulty added, “Tinkering around the edges is not good enough. Fundamental reform is needed and needed as a priority.”

 

 

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Posted by on Oct 24 2019. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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