Agenda and minutes

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 11th May 2021 were confirmed as a correct record and signed.

Councillor Popley declared a personal interest in item 5 as a member of St Botolph’s Church which holds a lottery license.

No questions were submitted.

No questions had been submitted.

A Report of the Head of Regulatory Services seeking approval of the draft Council’s Statement of Principles made under the Gambling Act 2005.

Considered a report of the Head of Regulatory Services seeking the Committee’s approval of the draft Council’s Statement of Principles made under the Gambling Act 2005 for consultation prior to submission to Full Council for approval (item 5 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

The Head of Regulatory Services introduced the report and stated that no significant changes had been made since the previous Statement of Principles had been approved.  A full list of consultees was attached at Appendix A.  It was important to note that the Council was responsible for certain aspects of the licensing provision for gambling. It does not include licensing operators for betting premises and in relation to online gambling.

In response to questions, it was noted that once approved at this meeting the Statement would be circulated for consultation for 4 weeks.  Unless significant changes were recommended during the consultation, the Statement of Principles would proceed to full Council without being re-considered by this Committee. 

Reference was made to Section 3.7.1 of the Statement, and that the Planning and Licensing Services of the Council liaised closely with regard to betting offices’ obtaining planning permission.  Betting office operators were still required to apply for a Premise License, and this would proceed through the usual processes by a Licensing Sub-committee.

RESOLVED

1.    That the draft Statement of Principles made under the Gambling Act 2005, is approved for consultation and then submission to Full Council for final approval;

2.    Subject to Recommendation 1, that, following the consultation, the Head of Regulatory Services be given delegated authority to make minor amendments and alterations to the Statement of Principles in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing Committee, prior to submission to Full Council.

Reasons

1.    To ensure that, under Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005, the Council has an up to date Statement of Principles to adhere to which sets the Council’s policy in respect of meeting the licensing objectives and responsibilities under the Gambling Act 2005.

2.    To ensure the relevant minor changes can be made to the Statement of Principles, prior to submission to Full Council for implementation in January 2022.