Issue - meetings

Councillor Mrs Snee, in her capacity as Vice Chairman of the Licensing Committee presented the report which sought approval of the Gambling Act 2005 – Statement of Principles, following on from public consultation and having been considered and recommended for adoption from the Licensing Committee.

Members were advised as a licensing authority, West Lindsey District Council were required to publish a statement of principles in relation to gambling licensing. These principles were intended to guide decision makers, applicants, objectors and others regarding the decision-making process in relation to applications.

The statement of principles set out how the Authority would work to fulfil its licensing objectives and determine applications it received.

The functions which the Council exercised within its statutory role as the Licensing Authority played a key role in ensuring that residents, businesses and visitors could enjoy a variety of activities within the District in a safe and regulated manner. The statement of principles helped to ensure that this could continue with the Authority being required to review the Statement every three years, ensuring it was up-to-date and effective.

With the recommendation having been moved and duly seconded debate ensued.

Members commented on the need to protect and regulate wherever possible.  Councillors where keen to understand particularly how children were protected.

Pages 62 to 63 of the policy referenced measures establishments must take to protect children from those activities categorised highest risk.

Exchanges made between Councillors highlighted both the fun side and the devastating impact gambling addictions could have.  All concurred on-line gambling caused some of the most significant risk with children exposed to a greater degree than they ever had been. On-line gambling was not regulated by District Council Policies as it fell outside of their jurisdiction.

Members considered the Policy took a proportionate approach to issues and establishments the District Council could influence via legislation and enforcement.

RESOLVED that the recommendation from the Licensing Committee be accepted and in doing so the Gambling Act 2005 – Statement of Principles 2025-2027 be approved for adoption.

The Committee heard from the Housing and Enforcement Manager who explained that the Council was required to publish a Statement of Licensing Principles in relation to gambling licensing every three years. The policy was intended to guide decision makers, applicants, objectors and others regarding the decision making process.

The Committee gave consideration to the statement of principles with a view to recommending it to Full Council for adoption. Members commented that there were no changes to the policy, and after being proposed and seconded it was

            RESOLVED that the Gambling Act 2005 – Statement of Principles be approved for RECOMMENDATION to Full Council, at its next meeting (4 November 2024) for final determination.