Agenda item

The Committee is asked to permit the draft Statement of Principles document to be made available for consultation as required by the Gambling Act 2005.

The Licensing and Fraud Manager, Alan Weldon, presented his report on the draft Statement of Principles document for the Gambling Policy and explained the consultation process to be followed.

During the discussion, the following points were raised:-

·       Councillors queried the link between Planning and Licensing and whether either department had the power to restrict how many gambling premises could be located within a certain area.

·       Councillors queried whether there was enough resource to carry out the necessary inspections.

·       Councillors requested clarification on demarcation and whether it should be the same for all.

·       Concern was raised on the suitability of the location of certain gambling premises, for example near schools, community halls and parks.

The Licensing and Fraud Manager advised that some premises had been established years ago before the Gambling Act 2005 had come into force.  He also clarified the aim was to permit gambling unless there was evidence of any problems in the area.

·       Concern was raised on applications being agreed by Planning Committee which might not meet the requirements of the Gambling Act 2005.

The Licensing and Fraud Manager agreed and advised that if that were to happen, a Licensing Sub-Committee would be required to make the decision.

·       Councillors mentioned the white paper that was due to go to consultation and the impact that might have on the policy.

·       Councillors highlighted that the Gambling Commission had clamped down on larger businesses which had had a good impact.

·       Councillors agreed the document had been well written and thanked the officers for their work.

Resolved that the Licensing and Regulatory Committee agreed to permit the draft Statement of Principles document be made available for consultation as required by the Gambling Act 2005.