Issue - meetings

Members gave consideration to a report which sought Committee’s approval for the updated statement of principles for the Gambling Act 2005 to be consulted upon.

The Council was required to publish a Statement of Licensing Principles in relation to gambling licensing. The policy was intended to guide decision makers, applicants, objectors and others regarding the decision making process.

The Policy would be the basis of the Licensing Authority’s decisions and set out how the Authority would work to fulfil the licensing objectives.

It was a requirement upon the Authority, to review and Publish its Statement of Principles at least every three years, ensuring relevant consultation was undertaken on any proposed amendments.

Officers outlined the proposed consultation dates, noting consultation would last 8 weeks and would commence on 21 June, as opposed to 14 June, as stated within the report.  The Gambling Act 2005 set out a number of statutory consultees and these were detailed in section 4.21 of the Statement of Principles.

Following the consultation, the Licensing Committee would be asked to consider the final document at their meeting on 16 September 2021 before recommending the document to Full Council in November for approval and adoption.

Brief debate followed, during which, in reference to Appendix 5 of the Draft Statement of Principles, which related to Safeguarding, it was suggested the wording “ should consider” should be strengthened by the removal of the word “consider”.  Safeguarding of vulnerable adults was of paramount importance.

Officers indicated they would need to check the legal implications of amending the wording, but undertook to ensure the comment was captured as a consultation comment. If deemed appropriate, and legally sound, the wording would be amended when the document returned to Committee in September, following the consultation period.

Whilst not within the Committee’s remit to monitor or control, disappointment was expressed, at  the installation of ATMs in betting establishments.  Such practice, was considered, to be  counter-productive in trying to safeguard and protect the vulnerable.

RESOLVED  that the Statement of Principles, Gambling Act 2005 be approved for consultation purposes and be re-submitted to the Committee in September 2021 for further consideration.