Agenda and draft minutes

To receive apologies for absence for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A Dart and T Tinsley.

Confirmation of the Minutes of the meeting held on 17^th April 2024.

It was proposed by Councillor S Harding, seconded by Councillor S Inch and –

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 18^th April be agreed and signed as a

correct record.

(Vote: For – 6, Against – 0, Abstentions – 2)      

This item was deferred.

Members with interests to declare should refer to the agenda item and describe the nature of their interest when the item is being considered.

Members were reminded that declarations of interest should be made as and when the specific agenda item to which they related was under discussion.

There were no Part II items.

There were no urgent matters.

To receive the report of the Lead Licensing Officer.

The Lead Licensing Officer presented the report, the purpose of which was to review and update the Authority’s current Statement of Principles published under s.349 of the Gambling Act 2005.

The Lead Licensing Officer explained, to Members, details of the current ongoing review of the Gambling Statement of Principles which was commenced by the previous government and the gaps had been identified which would need to be addressed. A further explanation was given on the timing of the review and that the Gambling Act may need to be presented to the Licensing Committee sooner than the regulated three-year period, if any amendments were made.

In response to a query, the Lead Licensing Officer clarified the definition of Land Based Gambling.

Following a comment from Councilor W Lo-Vel regarding risk assessments and gaming trends mirroring financial payments, the Chair suggested an amendment to the Statement of Principles to state ‘being aware of regular gaming trends that might mirror dates of a player’s income stream’ as this would not target anyone in particular.

It was proposed by Councillor P Hackett, seconded by Councillor C Wheatley and –

Resolved:

That the revised Statement of Principles be approved along with the above amendment and presented to Full Council for formal adoption.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

To receive the report of the Lead Licensing Officer.

The Lead Licensing Officer presented the report, the purpose of which was to review and update the Authority’s current Sex Establishment Policy.

It was proposed by Councillor C Bright, seconded Councillor P Hackett and –

Resolved:

That the revised policy take effect from the 1 January 2025 and a further review take place in 5 years or sooner if there are any amendments to relevant legislation be approved.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

The Lead Licensing Officer reminded Members that further licensing training could be arranged if necessary.

The forward plan was discussed and updated.