Agenda and draft minutes

The Senior Democratic and Civic Officer opened the meeting and asked for nominations for Chairman. It was

RESOLVED that Councillor Milne be elected Chairman of the Licensing Sub-Committee for this meeting.

Councillor Milne took the Chair for the remainder of the meeting and round the table introductions were made.

Members may make any declarations of interest at this point but may also make them at any time during the course of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest at this point in the meeting.

Please note the Procedure to be taken by the Committee, in conducting the Hearing. 

A Copy of which is attached.

The Legal Adviser for West Lindsey District Council outlined the procedure to all present, as set out within the meeting papers and as circulated ahead of the meeting.

This Licensing Authority will only allow licensing decisions to be taken by a minimum of three Councillors.  In the event of one member being unable to attend, their place will be substituted by another member.  In the event of this substitution taking place all parties will be informed of the change of membership at the beginning of the Hearing.

All Members of the Panel must remain in the Chamber at all times during the course of the Hearing.

As detailed on the meeting agenda, it was highlighted that this Licensing Authority would only allow licensing decisions to be taken by a minimum of three Councillors. In the event of one Member being unable to attend, their place would be substituted by another Member. In the event of this substitution taking place, all parties would be informed of the change of membership at the beginning of the Hearing. It was confirmed that all Members were present as detailed on the agenda.

It was further highlighted that all Members of the Panel must remain in the Chamber at all times during the course of the Hearing.

Hearing Type: Application for a Betting Premises Licence under the Gambling Act 2005

Applicant:  Done Brothers (Cash Betting) trading as BETFRED

Operating Licence Number 000-001058-N-102469-001.

Premises: 11 Market Place, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 2BP.

Ward Location: Gainsborough South-West Ward

Hearing Type: Application for a Betting Premises Licence under the Gambling Act 2005

Applicant:  Done Brothers (Cash Betting) trading as BETFRED

Operating Licence Number 000-001058-N-102469-001.

Premises: 11 Market Place, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 2BP

Ward Location: Gainsborough South-West Ward

The Senior Licensing Officer outlined the application for consideration, as detailed above. It was explained that all required documents had been provided with the application, and the application was correctly served on all responsible authorities. The application was advertised in accordance with the standard procedures required by the Gambling Act 2005 and consulted for the required 28-day consultation period. There were no representations received from Responsible Authorities. There was one representation received from an interested party. The Licensing Objectives and Principles to be Applied were highlighted to Members, as were the options available to them. It was noted that additional information submitted after the publication of papers, had been circulated to all parties.

The Solicitor for the Applicant was invited to make his presentation. Mr Owen set out the areas he wished to address within his presentation and thanked the Members of the Sub-Committee for allowing him fair hearing. The following points were expressed:

·         Principles to be applied – Mr Owen highlighted that the applicant had been in a licenced premise for 25 years. The proposal was not a threat to the licensing objectives as there would be no increase in premises and it was not unusual to move location. In this case the move was a difference of 75meters.

·         Relocation – Mr Owen explained the new licence would not be enacted until the previous premise had closed. He highlighted this was a matter of relocation, not of an additional premises.

·         Crime – Mr Owen highlighted that instances of crime in the area had not been related to the licensed premises and as such, there was no evidence that the relocated premises would have any impact on levels of crime in the area.

·         Children being protected – it was further highlighted that there was a ‘Challenge 21’ principle in place, meaning that even those who were aged over 18 and therefore legal to bet could be challenged if they appeared to be under 21. Mr Owen highlighted there had been no issues raised in relation to the existing licence and, as a relocation of premises, it was reasonable to assume this was not an area of concern.

·         Clustering – Reiterating that this was a proposed relocation and not a new premises, Mr Owen suggested that clustering was a moot point. The new licence would not be enacted until the previous location had closed.

·         Shop front – it was suggested that there was a misunderstanding regarding the proposed frontage to the new premises, in that the applicant was content to work with the Council to achieve the most acceptable frontage. Mr Owen noted that the premises would be required to adhere to the parameters issued by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

·         Reason of relocation – it was stated that other businesses on the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.