Agenda and draft minutes

To sign and confirm the minutes of the Committee’s last meeting, held on 11^th September 2018.

The minutes of the meeting held on 11^th September 2018 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

To receive apologies for absence and notification of substitutes (if any).

There were apologies for absence from Councillors James Edwards, Jonathan Noble, Barrie Pierpoint and Judith Skinner.

(A report by Fiona White, Principal Licensing and Land Charges Officer)

The Principal Licensing and Land Charges Officer presented the draft revised Statement of Principles following consultation.

The Licensing Authority must, every 3 years, consult on, adopt and publish a Statement of Principles setting out its policy for the administration and enforcement of the Gambling Act 2005 (the Act).  The deadline for the Statement of Principles to be reviewed, adopted by the council and published was January 2019.

The administration and enforcement of licensing for gambling premises and activities was prescribed in legislation and the Statement of Principles was based on guidance provided by the Gambling Commission in order to facilitate consistency nationally.  The Council could not adopt any local policy that would be inconsistent with the requirements of the Act.

The Committee considered the draft Statement of Principles on 11^th September 2018 and resolved that the statement be consulted on.  The consultation took place between 12^th September and 25^th October 2018.  A list of the persons or bodies consulted was attached at Appendix 2 of the Statement of Principles. 

No responses were received; therefore, the final draft Statement of Principles, a copy of which was attached at Appendix A, was unchanged from the initial draft considered by the Committee on 11^th September 2018.

Members commented that the policy was well-written, had been updated in accordance with legislation and best practice and the Committee had examined it in detail at the last meeting. 

In response to a question, the Principal Licensing and Land Charges Officer confirmed that it was not unusual to receive no feedback during the consultation; colleagues at other Lincolnshire councils experienced a similar response.  There had been more responses during the first consultation on the Statement, but the number had reduced each time as the Statement became more refined.  There had been two responses during the last consultation period; one had been detailed and all points had been addressed.