Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor R Thay be appointed Chair for this meeting.

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider an application for a Premises Licence in respect of Merkur Slots, 241 Walsgrave Road, Coventry, CV2 4BB.

Note: The applicant and their representative have been invited to attend the

  hearing.

  Persons who have made representations have been invited to attend.

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a Premises Licence under the Gambling Act 2005 in respect of Merkur Slots, 241 Walsgrave Road, Coventry. The application requested a Bingo Licence to operate the default hours of Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 00:00 midnight for bingo and unrestricted for the provision of machines.

Three representations had been received from local residents objecting to the application. None of the Responsible Authorities had objected to the application. All application formalities had been complied with.

Counsel for the Applicant presented the Applicant’s case. He referred to the
additional evidence they had provided by way of a 2-part bundle and confirmed its contents. Counsel addressed the Committee on points relating to the licensing objectives. He explained that there were no objections to the application from Responsible Authorities with each of those authorities being the main source of advice. He stated that there was uncontested evidence from witnesses for the Applicant in support of the application.

The Applicant holds licences in every authority they have applied to (nationwide) and holds 3 existing licences in different parts of Coventry. Counsel further explained in respect of the licensing objective relating to crime and disorder that the Applicant enforces rules in all his premises, including maintaining good management both inside and outside of the premises, is aware of the demographic of its customer base, has taken measures relating to layout and lighting and ambience; all of which help to prevent any problems inside the premises and loitering outside the Applicant’s premises.

Counsel further stated that although children are allowed by law to enter such premises, the Applicant does not allow children to any of his premises.  The Applicant’s premises are designed to prevent children being able to see inside and there will be no advertisement displayed to lure children to thepremises. The Applicant’s style of premises and level of supervision would not attract  children.

In respect of vulnerable adults, the Sub-Committee were informed that the Applicant currently safeguards its customersthrough compliance with all regulations and works with leading gambling charities to  improve its current safeguarding systems. Counsel added that should thelicence be granted; the Applicant would have a legal obligation to uphold all of the licensing objectives that arise from themandatory and defaultconditions prescribedby law.

Addressing the representations made by local residents, Counsel explained that that  the default hours are set by Parliament that being 9am to midnight for bingo and 24hours for other gaming machines. The ResponsibilityAuthorities did not object to the hours of operation. Counsel stated that there were similar premises that had operated in the area without any problems.

Counsel highlighted that the Applicant’s premises would trade with a small number ofcustomers, there would be no alcohol, no loud music and no entertainment with people  wandering in ones and twos and wandering out again. As such, there should be nonuisance caused. Counsel further stated it was important to note, that public nuisance is not arelevant consideration  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider any other items of business which the Chair decides to take as a matter of urgency because of the special circumstances involved.

There were no other items of business.