The proposed policy would strengthen the role of public health, local evidence and harm prevention in future gambling premises decisions. It would not automatically close existing venues.

Barking and Dagenham Council will consider a revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy for 2026 to 2029 on September 3, 2026. The proposal follows concerns about the concentration of gambling premises in the east London borough.

The Licensing and Regulatory Committee is scheduled to meet at 7pm. The policy remains under committee consideration and has not been finally adopted.

What the draft policy would change

The draft would place greater emphasis on gambling-related harm, safeguarding, public health and local evidence when the council assesses applications for new premises.

Applicants could face closer scrutiny of risks linked to a proposed site. The council could also consider conditions designed to reduce harm in areas identified as vulnerable or heavily concentrated with gambling venues.

42 gambling premises listed

Council policy records list 42 gambling premises in Barking and Dagenham:

  • 36 betting shops
  • Three adult gaming centres
  • Three bingo halls

The main reported clusters are in Barking town centre and around Heathway in Dagenham. The figures provide a local test of how public health concerns and deprivation data may influence premises licensing.

Consultation completed before committee review

The council's public consultation ran from July 13 to August 24, 2026. Residents, businesses, licence holders, responsible authorities and community organisations were invited to respond.

The authority's published report on the post-consultation draft was dated August 25, 2026. The responses will be considered before the policy reaches the Licensing Committee and Full Council.

What happens next

If the committee supports the draft, it will move through the next stages of the council's approval process. A committee recommendation would not create an automatic closure programme for existing betting shops, adult gaming centres or bingo halls.

The immediate practical effect would be on the evidence and risk controls considered in future premises applications and relevant licence decisions. Gambling Commission guidance already requires operators to assess local risks when applying for a new premises licence or varying an existing one.

The decision will show how far an English licensing authority can use local evidence within the Gambling Act 2005 framework. It will also indicate whether public health and gambling-related harm become more prominent factors in local premises policy.