Issue - meetings

(A report by Christian Allen, Assistant Director – Regulatory)

Councillor Dale Broughton, Deputy Leader of the Council, presented a report by the Assistant Director – Regulatory which sought adoption of the proposed Statement of Principles in respect of the Gambling Act 2005, as detailed in Appendix 1 within the report.

The purpose of the statement was to provide advice to businesses, operators and the public of the Council's overall position with regards to administration and enforcement of gambling legislation and to provide a decision making framework for the Council through the Licensing Committee. The Gambling Act 2005 delegated responsibility for a number of gambling functions to licensing authorities.

Members noted that the Licensing Committee had considered the draft revised statement of principles on 24^th September 2024 and had resolved that the draft be consulted on in accordance with the Gambling Act. Additionally, the Committee had resolved that, should the consultation yield no responses, the statement of principles be presented to Full Council.

The recommendation was moved by Councillor Dale Broughton and seconded by Councillor Anne Dorrian.

RESOLVED:

That the Statement of Principles be adopted and published.

(A report by Anna McDowell, Senior Licensing Officer)

The Group Manager Public Protection presented a report which sought a review of the current Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles.

Members noted that Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 required that the Licensing Authority prepare, consult on, and adopt a statement of the principles that they proposed to apply in exercising their functions under the Act. The Statement of Principles must be reviewed and published every three years. A revised Statement of Principles was required, by law, to be published by January 2025

The Group Manager Public Protection advised that the policy had been reviewed and approved by the Senior Licensing Officer, subject to a few minor amendments which were outlined within the report. She suggested that following a four week public consultation, should there be no significant feedback, that the draft Statement of Principles be submitted directly to Full Council for approval subject to agreement by the Chairman of the Licensing Committee.

Members discussed the report and commented as follows:

·       Any premises would have to be considered suitable for licensable activities such as bingo.

·       The content of the policy was in line with legislation and there was no scope to make changes such as to limit the number gambling establishments within the Town Centre.

·       Different legislation related to the alcohol licencing of local village halls and community centres.

·       The Constitution contained details of delegated powers in respect of Licensing. It was suggested that further clarity be given within the wording of the policy in respect of where powers were delegated.

·       Concerns were raised in respect of online gambling for which the local authority had no powers. The Group Manager Public Protection advised that there were occasional opportunities for joint working with partners on issues such as gambling related harm, which she fully supported. Councillor Stuart Evans stated that the Council should take any opportunity to make a representation to the Government or the Gambling Commission, particularly in matters such as advertising.

·       Members were encouraged by the addition of local risk assessments within the policy.

The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Paul Gleeson and seconded by Councillor Stephen Woodliffe.

RESOLVED:

1.     That the draft Statement of Principles be consulted on as required under the provisions of the Gambling Act 2005; and

2.     That, should there be no significant feedback from the consultation, the draft Statement of Principles be submitted directly to Full Council for approval, subject to the agreement of the Chairman of the Licensing Committee.