Agenda item

The Committee reviewed the Council’s Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 for the period 31 January 2019 to 30^th January 2022, and representations received. Consideration was also given to the recommended amendments to the representations received, as circulated.

The Council is required every three years, to prepare and keep under review, the Statement of the Principles which it proposes to apply when exercising its functions and the statement must be published.  The current Statement of Principles came into effect on 31 January 2016 and expires on 30 January 2019. The draft Statement was made available for consultation on the 30 July until 28 September 2018.  The consultation process was detailed in the report circulated with the agenda.

The Licensing Manager advised that in relation to problem gambling, safeguarding and vulnerable individuals, the issues covered by GamCare are included in the Gambling Commission Licensing Code of Conduct and Social Responsibility Codes.

In response to further comments the Licensing Manager advised that CCTV is not a statutory requirement. However there was reference to CCTV in the draft document, particularly at paragraph 3.7.

Members considered that the reference to safeguarding and vulnerable adults and children in the appendix should also be referred to the Statement of Principles for robustness.

Resolved

That the draft Statement of Principles, including the recommended amendments to representations received as set out in the report and appendices as circulated with the agenda, be referred to the Executive for approval subject to the following further amendment:

·           That all references to safeguarding and vulnerable individuals and children in the Appendix to the Statement of Principles be also referred to in the Statement of Principles at the following paragraphs:

(a)   Page 13, Paragraph 6 ‘Overriding Principles.’

(b)   Page 34, Part C, Paragraph 1.1 Permits/Temporary & Occasional Use Notice – Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centre