Agenda item

Report of the Head of Regulatory Services.

A report of the Head of Regulatory Services was submitted to consider the Council’s draft Statement of Principles made under the Gambling Act 2005, for consultation prior to submission to Council for approval (item 5 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

In summary, the Committee discussed:

(i)        The population increase stated in paragraph 1.2 of the Statement was 177,000* (up from 176,000).

(ii)                    The Operator Licence required was a matter for the Gambling Commission to decide, the Council was responsible for the Premise Licence.

(iii)                   With reference to paragraph 1.9 of the Statement, there had not been any incidents of gambling enforcement in the Borough.  Inspections of gambling premises were undertaken by Council staff each year, this year a few premises had required a re-visit, but all had ultimately been compliant.  No unlicensed premises had been discovered.

(iv)      Regarding local risk assessments, larger operators usually had a template for the purpose which could be adapted for the locality concerned.  The Council would expect the assessment to suit the local position and the local area profile assisted that.  The Council did not provide a template and would not wish to do so, but the Gambling Commission might have one available.  The Licensing Manager would include a link to that in the Statement, if available.

(v)                    There was brief discussion regarding “one-off” gambling events, for example gambling that was included in the price of the entry ticket for a Christmas function.  To date, such events of which the Council had been notified had not fallen under the requirements of the premise licence.

(vi)      With reference to paragraph 3.7 of the Statement, the Council’s approach in respect of betting/gaming machines was briefly outlined, in particular the requirements for premise staff to be able to monitor those.

(vii)     With reference to paragraph 3.8 of the Statement, there was not a track in Charnwood, but some premises might have that facility available, so the Statement needed to cover that.

(viii)    The Licensing Manager noted a typographical error on page 21 of the report, which she would correct.  Also, on page 28, that Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce was now East Midlands Chamber, and that Loughborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce should also be listed.

(ix)      LRSB was Leicestershire and Rutland Safeguarding Board, with which the Council would consult on any applications that indicated there may be concerns over access for children or vulnerable persons (as customers), further explanation of which was given, including that anyone could report such concerns.  The Licensing Manager would check that the web address stated was correct and would inform members of the Committee if that was different.

*Note: Since the meeting, the Licensing Manager has stated the correct figure as 176,700.

Councillor Sutherington arrived at the meeting at 5.20pm.

RESOLVED

1.            That, subject to the amendments set out in (iv), (viii) and (ix) above, the draft Statement of Principles made under the Gambling Act 2005, set out in Appendix 1 to the report of the Head of Regulatory Services, be approved for consultation and, subject to the outcome of that consultation and resolution 2 below, that the Statement of Principles be recommended to Council for approval;

2.            that, following the consultation set out in resolution 1 above,  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 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 Council for implementation in January 2019.