Agenda and minutes

To sign and confirm the minutes of the last meeting.

The Minutes of the last meeting held, 12 October 2021, were agreed and signed by the Chairman

To receive apologies for absence.

There were no apologies of absence received

To receive declarations of interests in respect of any item on the agenda.

None

To answer any written questions received from members of the public no later than 5 p.m. two clear working days prior to the meeting – for this meeting the deadline is 5 p.m. on ………………..

None

(A report present by the Licensing Officer, Anna McDowell)

The Licensing Officer presented a report which explained that the Licensing Authority was required to consult on, adopt and publish an updated Statement of Principles every 3 years in accordance with the Gambling Act 2005.

The draft Statement of Principles was attached at Appendix A for members’ consideration, comments and amendments. Any proposed changes to the existing Statement of Principles were highlighted yellow.

The committee was requested to approve the draft, including any amendments considered appropriate by the committee, and resolve that the draft be consulted on in accordance with the requirements of the Gambling Act 2005.

Members raised the following concerns:

·       The figure provided for the current population of Boston was used from a 2019 source and would no longer be accurate.

·       The amount of gambling premises located in the town centre.

·       Language used for signs, posters and information is primarily English 

·       The door way and surrounding areas of the premises being used for littering

·       Under 18s appear to be using the premises

In response to members’ concerns the Licensing Officer;

·       Agreed to change the wording surrounding the current population figure to read “the estimated population…”

·       Explained that there was no limit set for the amount of Gambling premises allowed to be licensed in the town.

·       Expressed that, although the Council cannot enforce the prevention of under 18s entering a gambling premises, the language used for signs or the conditions of the areas surrounding the premises – the Licensing Officer agreed to discuss these issues with the owners of those premises and come to a resolution.

RESOLVED:

1. That the amendments suggested by the Committee be integrated into

the draft statement prior to consultation

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