Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest. 

To authorise the Chairman to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2009 as a correct record. 

The Committee authorised the Chairman to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2009 as a correct record.

In respect of minute 9 (Gambling Act 2005 – Revision of Policy), Members noted that examples of ‘tracks’ had been included in section 7 of the draft revision.

 The Licensing Committee considered a report on the revised Gambling Act statement of Licensing Policy, drafted in line with the requirements of the Gambling Act 2005. 

No changes had been required as a result of public consultation.

A Member asked what the “…ordinary and natural meaning…” was of Bingo.  The Licensing Officer referred to the standard dictionary definition, and common understanding, of the word, but agreed to delete from the Policy statement the words “…and natural…”  The Licensing Officer explained that games involving total prize money of less than £2,000 were exempt from regulation.

The Senior Lawyer conveyed comments from Councillor Alex Riley, who had queried the linguistics of the Government guidance, and suggested amended wording short of altering the meaning.  For example, in Part B of the draft Policy, the second bullet point for casinos stated that “…No entrance to a casino must be from premises that are used wholly or mainly by children and/or young persons”.  This should be amended to say “…No entrance to a casino is permitted to be from premises that are used wholly or mainly by children and/or young persons”.

In response to a question, the Licensing Officer informed the Committee that the term “Chief of Police” (as opposed to “Chief Constable”) was the statutory wording   and could not be changed.

The Licensing Committee noted that the final decision was to be made by Council and commented that the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Policy (as attached at Appendix B to the report and amended slightly at the meeting in the interests of clarity, should be approved, ratified and adopted by the Leader, substituting for the Environmental Services Portfolio Holder and in his own right under the new procedures, and by Council.