Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting and went through some general housekeeping arrangements for the meeting.

There were none.

To receive the Terms of Reference for the Licensing Committee, (copy enclosed).

The Terms of Reference for the Licensing Committee were noted.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, Other Registrable interests and Non-Registrable Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraph 9 and Appendix B of the Code of Conduct for Members.

(Members are reminded that they are also required to disclose any such interests as soon as they become aware should the need arise throughout the meeting).

There were none.

Toreceive the viewsof membersofthe public,ofwhich prior notificationin writing hasbeen received (no later than noon onthe working day before the day of the meeting).

Shouldyou wish to submita question pleasecompletethe onlineform at:  www.maldon.gov.uk/publicparticipation

There was none.

To consider the report of the Director of Service Delivery (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Service Delivery that Highlighted the need for an immediate review of the Council's Statement of Gambling Policy in respect of the Gambling Act 2005 (as amended). The existing policy had become outdated, posing significant implications for the Council’s local jurisdiction. It was important to emphasize that this review was not a comprehensive appraisal but a necessary interim measure to ensure compliance with the law until a thorough review can be undertaken.

The Chairperson introduced the report and deferred to the Assistant Director, Service Delivery to present the detail. She took the Committee through the report advising that the Gambling Act 2005 (the Act) required each licensing authority to publish a Statement of Gambling Policy and to review that policy at least once every three years. The policy set out the principles that the Council will apply in exercising its licensing functions under the Act. The White Paper published In April this year set out  plans for reviewing and modernising the regulation of gambling in Great Britain. This included a number of measures to adjust outdated regulatory restrictions applying to the land-based gambling sector. Given the Council’s existing policy expired in June 2021 urgent action was required to ensure the Council remained in compliance with existing laws and regulations while preventing any legal complications. It should be noted that currently there were no material changes to the policy apart from minor changes to text highlighted in the draft renewal in Appendix 1.

The Chairperson then moved the recommendations in the report and opened the debate.

In response to issues raised Officers provided the following information:

·                  That the delay in updating the policy was due to the adverse impact of covid and other competing demands. However going forwards all policies were now linked to Service Pans which would ensure timely updates take place.

·                  That amendments to the Policy at section 3.2 together with the headers at sections 27 and 28 respectively would be addressed outside of the meeting.

·                  That in accordance with Councillor Stephens amendment Gamblers’ Anonymous would be included in the list of consultees.

·                  That this was a light touch review through Essex Police to ensure compliance and a full review will take place next year to include all consultees.

There being no further discussion the Chairperson put the recommendations, to include the aforementioned amendment by Councillor Stephens. to the Committee and they were agreed by assent.

RESOLVED

(i)               That the Committee agreed the reviewed and updated Statement of Gambling Policy as a consultation draft as set out in Appendix 1 of this report;

(ii)              That Officers proceed with a low-key consultation as described in the report and include Gamblers’ Anonymous in the list of consultees.

In response to queries raised on other Licensing issues Officers responded as follows:

·                  That there was a list of licensees of licensed premises published on the website. Currently there was no requirement to publish details of street collection licenses.

·                  That permits were issued for all licenses. including street collection and house to house. therefore collectors should be able to produce their permit on request.