The Licensing Policy Officer presented a report asking Committee to endorse the publication of the Council’s Statement of Licensing Principles for the next triennial period 2022 to 2025, and to forward the policy to Cabinet and Council for final approval. 

The Licensing Policy Officer explained that the Gambling Commission was the unified regulator for gambling in Great Britain and was responsible for granting operating and personal licences for commercial gambling

operators. However, the responsibility for licensing land based premises, as well as functions in relation to issuing permits and registrations, rested with local authorities. The Council, as a licensing authority, published on a three year basis, a Statement of Licensing Principles governing the policy, regulation and decision making process relating to gambling premises.

The Licensing Policy Officer explained that in normal circumstances, it would be possible to review trends and issues which may inform future policy development. However, the period 2020-2021 had seen

unprecedented measures in place with gambling premises subject to lockdown. In addition, in December 2020 the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage announced a Review of the Gambling Act 2005 Terms of Reference and Call for Evidence which overlapped with the current three-year review process. The triennial review of the Statement of Licensing Principles had to be undertaken, but in the light of the impact of the pandemic on premises, the absence of the reporting of local trends, and the impending review, it was felt that a more balanced review could be undertaken in 2022. The consultation was published on the Council’s website between 6 August 2021 and 10 September 2021. One response was received from Gosschalks Solicitors. The response sought one amendment which related to redundant terminology no longer used within the Gambling Commissions’s statutory guidance to local authorities. No other responses were received from statutory consultees or via the website

consultation.

A member asked if many complaints were received from the public in relation to gambling. The Licensing Policy Officer replied that complaints were rarely received regarding this however there were more in relation to online gambling. The member raised concerns about the increase in gambling during lockdown.

A member asked about enforcement in relation to issues with raffles and other prize draws organised by non- registered bodies on social media. He asked what provisions were in place to ensure that people complied with the act. The Licensing Policy Officer replied that there were enforcement powers in place and they did investigate complaints. She added that most organisers of raffles would be required to be registered with the local authority when selling tickets in advance, online gambling involving social media would form part of the review that the government was undertaking. The member concluded that gambling was increasing online and a trend that needed to be looked at including how it impacted the public.

RESOLVED:       Committee endorsed the Statement of Gambling Principles, incorporating the amendments highlighted within Appendix A together with the additional amendment in 4.6, to be forwarded to Cabinet and Council for approval and publication in accordance with the regulations.