Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

None were received.

            None were received.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting on 28 June 2018.

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair. 

The minutes of the meeting held on 28^th June 2018 had been circulated with the agenda.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair. 

That the report be noted.

The Licensing Team Leader introduced the Gambling Act 2005 Review of Statement of Gambling Policy report which provided a copy of the draft policy which was out for consultation.

The new policy would be required to commence on 31^st January 2019 in accordance with the Act.

With regard to the policy, and how the Council would discharge the functions, the policy must contain objectives on the following:

·         Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime;

·         Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way; and

·         Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

The policy must be approved by County Council and could last for a period of three years.  Prior to approval, consultation must take place with:

·         The Police;

·         The Fire Authority;

·         One or more persons who appeared to the Authority to represent the interests of persons carrying on gambling businesses in the Authority area; and

·         One or more persons who appeared to the Authority to represent the interests of persons who are likely to be affected by the exercise of the Authority’s functions under the Act.

Councillor Banks expressed his concern on 3.3.6 of the policy which referred to vulnerable persons and he felt there was not enough protection for them.  The Licensing Team Leader explained that it was the responsibility of each venue to undertake their own risks assessments based on the procedures of the Council; they could not be dictated to but they could be pointed in the direction of Gamcare.

In response to a further comment from Councillor Banks, the Licensing Team Leader explained that the maximum stake for gaming machines was stipulated by Government. The Solicitor added that if the policy was not approved there would be a risk of a judicial review as the policy was underpinned by UK law.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted. 

There were no members of the press or public present.