Agenda item

The Licensing Manager outlined a report, to inform the Committee of the outcome of the public consultation on the Council’s Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles policy (as amended 2015).

Members were reminded that inter alia, the Gambling Act 2005 placed the responsibility for the regulation of gambling on the Gambling Commission, and local authorities. The functions of the Council included the licensing of  premises for gambling activities; and the granting of permits for gaming and gaming machines in clubs.  The Council was required under the Gambling Act to put in place a policy known as a Statement of Principles, which would set out how functions would be managed under the Act. The Act required that the policy be reviewed every three years. The policy had now been fully reviewed and should be adopted by 7^th January 2016.

The Officer reminded Members that the Gambling Act required that a  consultation on the draft Statement of Principles and a consultation was carried out between 3^rd August 2015 and 4^th September 2015. The consultation had included press releases and placing the draft statement with information about the consultation on the Council’s website.

It was noted that there had been very little feedback from the consultation and this was attributed to the draft statement being very comprehensive and in line with the legislation and Gambling Commission guidance.

The Committee was requested to recommend the adoption of the revised policy to Council. It was noted that the Policy would then be published locally and take effect no later than 7^th January 2016.

Resolved-  That Council be recommended to adopt the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles policy (as amended 2015) as the Council’s Gambling Policy.