Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence have been received from Councillors Mrs HF Kember and

Mrs HM Smith.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mrs HF Kember, RM Matthews, Mrs HM Smith and Mrs DSK Spink MBE 

None. 

To confirm that the minutes of the meetings held on 10 August and 19 September 2006 are correct records.

The minutes of the meetings held on 10 August and 19 September 2006 were agreed as correct records. 

Appendix A is not available electronically 

Members considered the Gambling Act draft Licensing Policy and covering report and noted that

• the Government had extended the timescale for the Council to approve and publish its policy; this was now 31 March 2007
• the first date for accepting applications would be 30 April 2007
• further guidance would be issued by the Gambling Commission regarding the suitability and layout of casino premises
• this authority had not passed a `no casino’ resolution, but was aware that it had the power to do so
• four letters had been received as a result of the consultation process

Some Members voiced their concern in reviewing the policy as training had not yet been given to Members on the Gambling Act, however on taking a vote it was agreed that consideration of the policy should continue. Members noted that training was scheduled for Friday, 17 November and all those present, except Cllr Mrs A Elsby who would be on holiday, indicated that they would be attending the training session. The Chief Environmental Health Officer informed Members that the policy could be re-examined if they felt it was necessary once they had received training, and reassured them that the policy before them complied with the appropriate legislation.

General discussion ensued relating to the following:

• Posters advertising GamCare Helpline should be prominently displayed
• Defer consideration of a `no casino’ resolution until regulations from the government had been received
• This legislation did not apply to Bingo premises unless the stake money was in excess of £2000
• Confirmation was given that it was the premises or land that were licensed and not the person
• Surprise was expressed that neither the Police nor the CAB had responded to the consultation

Careful consideration was then given to the contents of the policy and as a result, the following amendments were made:

• para 7.8 – delete with in the sentence …. named department with whom the Licensing Authority …..
• paras 6.4, 9.2 and 10.2 – delete ordinarily in the last bullet point … cash terminals are ordinarily separate from ……
• para 8.1 – delete both and and proportionate, or in the sentence ... that door supervision is both necessary and proportionate, or if there is clear ……

In conclusion, it was agreed that a most frequently Question and Answer format regarding the Gambling Act policy be placed on the council’s website and an information sheet to be provided for members in advance of the training session.

The Licensing Committee, subject to the amendments listed above,

RECOMMENDS            to the Environmental Health Portfolio Holder that the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Policy as attached as Appendix C to the agenda be approved and ratified and adopted by Cabinet and Council.

The Environmental Health Portfolio Holder

RECOMMENDS            to Cabinet and Council that the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Policy be approved.