Agenda item

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) which sought Members views and approval to consult on the draft revised Statement of Licensing Policy 2019-2022 under the Gambling Act 2005.  The report was due to be considered by Licensing and Regulatory Committee on 14th August, 2018.

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 31st January 2016 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 3rd January 2019.

The Gambling Policy produced by the Licensing Authority under the Gambling Act 2005 was relevant for all licensing decisions taken by the Council as the Licensing Authority over three years commencing on 31st January 2019.

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 was 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 had 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 7th August 2018, for a 6 week period and finish on the 18th September 2018 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; and

•  Wider public consultation through the City Council Web Site

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. 

A copy of the draft revised policy was attached as an Appendix to the report.  There were no proposed significant changes to the policy only minor amendments and additions.  These were highlighted in grey in the draft revised policy.

The Licensing and Regulatory Committee was requested to consider the draft revised Statement of Gambling Policy and forward any comments as part of the consultation process.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities approve the draft revised Statement of Gambling Policy and authorise the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) to carry out the consultation as detailed in the report.