Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To agree the minutes of the Committee meeting held on 29 June 2021

The minutes of the meeting held on 29 June 2021 were agreed as a true record.

There were no outstanding issues.

Report of the Director of Streetscene and Regulatory Services.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Streetscene and Regulatory Services which sought approval to consult on the draft revised Statement of Licensing Policy 2022 - 2025 under the Gambling Act 2005.  A copy of the draft revised policy was attached as an appendix to the report.

Under the terms of the Gambling Act 2005 the Council’s Statement of Gambling Policy had to be renewed every three years.  The current Statement of Gambling Policy came into effect on 31^st January 2019 and a review must therefore be completed.  There was a requirement in the Act for the Council to publish and advertise the revised Statement of Gambling Policy at least 4 weeks before, by 3^rd January 2022.

The Gambling Policy produced by the Licensing Authority under the Gambling Act 2005 would be relevant for all licensing decisions taken by the Council as the Licensing Authority over three years commencing on 31^st January 2022.

The general principles of the Gambling Policy remain the same and the document was still centred around the Gambling Act's three licensing objectives, namely:

·  Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime

·  Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way

·  Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

Before amending the policy for a further three-year period, licensing authorities were required to carry out a wide consultation process. In addition it must consult by law, the Council has authority to include in the process any individuals or organisations it deemed appropriate. 

The Responsible Authorities (statutory consultees - Gambling Commission, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service, Planning, Environmental Health (functions in relation to pollution to the environment or harm to human health) Safeguarding Children Board, HM Revenue & Customs), Community Safety team and Public Health would be consulted on the draft revised policy.

The public consultation exercise would begin on the 2 August 2021 for a 6-week period and finish on the 13September 2021. The revised policy complied with updated Gambling Commissions guidance and regulations. It had been developed with all 6 Warwickshire Licensing Authorities (Warwickshire County Council, North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Stratford on Avon District Council and Warwick District Council), although each authority had adapted the policy to suit the needs of their area and profile.

RESOLVED to note the draft Statement of Gambling Policy and that comments can be made up to the 13 September as part of the consultation process.

There were no other items of business.