A licensing authority may resolve not to issue casino premises licences.
In passing a resolution under subsection (1) a licensing authority may have regard to any principle or matter.
A resolution under subsection (1)—
must apply to the issue of casino premises licences generally,
must specify the date on which it takes effect,
may be revoked by a further resolution, and
shall lapse at the end of the period of three years beginning with the date on which it takes effect (without prejudice to the ability to pass a new resolution).
A resolution under subsection (1)—
may be passed whether or not the licensing authority has already issued casino premises licences,
shall have no effect in relation to a casino premises licence issued before the resolution takes effect,
shall have no effect in relation to premises in respect of which a provisional statement relating to the operation of a casino is in force when the resolution takes effect,
shall have no effect in relation to anything converted into a casino premises licence by virtue of Schedule 18,
shall not affect the issuing of a casino premises licence in accordance with a requirement by virtue of Schedule 18, and
may not be taken into account in conducting a review of a casino premises licence under section 201.
A resolution under subsection (1) shall be published by being included in a statement or revision under section 349.
Section 153 is subject to this section.
The Secretary of State may by order require a licensing authority to consider whether or not to pass a resolution under subsection (1).
An order under subsection (7) may—
be directed to a particular licensing authority or to a class or description of licensing authority;
require the licensing authority to consult such persons or classes of persons as they think are likely to be affected by the resolution (having regard to any guidance given by the Secretary of State);
require the licensing authority to take other procedural steps;
specify a period within which the consideration must take place;
require consideration once or at specified intervals.