Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To agree the minutes of the Committee meetings held on 12^th March 2024 and the 22^nd May 2024, the Sub-Committee (1) (Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Taxi Licensing) meeting held on 11^th June, and the Sub-Committee hearings held on the 18^th March 2024, 4^th June 2024, 18^th June 2024, and 16^th July 2024.

The Minutes of the Committee meetings held on 12th March 2024 and the 22nd May 2024, the Sub-Committee (1) (Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Taxi Licensing) meeting held on 11th June, and the Sub-Committee hearings held on the 18th March 2024, 4th June 2024, 18th June 2024, and 16th July 2024 were agreed and signed as a true record.

There were no outstanding issues.

Report of the Director of Law and Governance

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Law and Governance which sought approval to consult on the draft revised Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 - 2028 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 Gambling Policy Statement of Principles has to be renewed every three years. The current Gambling Policy Statement of Principles came into effect on 31^st January 2022 and a review must therefore be completed. There was a requirement in the Act for the Council to publish and advertise the revised Gambling Policy Statement of Principles at least 4 weeks before, by 3^rd January 2025.

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 2025.

The general principles of the Gambling Policy Statement of Principles remain the same and the document is 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; and

·  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 to those it must consult by law, the Council has authority to include in the process any individuals or organisations it deems 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 will be consulted on the draft revised policy.

The public consultation exercise would begin on the 9^th August 2024, for a 6-week period and finish on the 20^th September 2024 and would include the following elements:

·  Mail shots to representatives of the licensed trade, clubs and key partners;

·  Formally writing to the Chief Officers of the responsible authorities;

·  Mail shots to businesses and organisations, places of worship; and

·  Wider public consultation through the City Council Website.

The revised policy complied with updated Gambling Commission guidance and regulations. It had been developed with all 6 Warwickshire Licensing Authorities (Warwickshire County Council, North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton & 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 Gambling Policy Statement of Principles and that comments on it could be made up to the 20^th  of September as part of the consultation process.

There were no other items of public business.