Agenda item

The Committee was reminded that the Council, as a licensing authority, had a duty to undertake various regulatory functions imposed by the provisions of the Gambling Act 2005 and before exercising these functions it must first adopt a “Statement of Policy” indicating how the functions would be exercised. This Statement required review every 3 years from date of adoption.

At its meeting on 5 September 2018 the Committee had considered a draft revised Statement. The draft Statement had subsequently been subject to a 12 week public consultation, which had taken place between 01 October and 31 December 2018.

The Committee was informed that the draft statement of principles incorporated amendments brought about by the Gambling Commission’s Guidance to licensing authorities, which was last published in September 2015.

Members expressed disappointment that there had been no consultation responses. The Committee were assured that despite the absence of any consultation responses, a comprehensive list of consultees, including Residents Associations had been written to as part of the consultation. In addition it was noted that there had been a set of themed social media posts on the consultation.

RECOMMENDED that the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Policy – 31 January 2019 to 30 January 2022, as attached at Annex A to the agenda report, be adopted.