Issue - meetings

The Director of Neighbourhood Services submitted a report in respect of the 12 week consultation process during July to October 2012 relating to draft changes to the Statement of Licensing Principles under the Gambling Act 2005.

Members were advised that East Herts Council was responsible for issuing premises licences, permits and registrations across the District.  As the Licensing Authority, East Herts Council was also required to prepare, consult and then publish a Statement of Principles that it proposed to apply in exercising its functions under The Gambling Act 2005.  The Statement must be reviewed every three years and was now due for republication by 31 January 2013.

The Interim Licensing Manager reminded Members that the Authority had passed a 'no casino' policy under Section 166 of the Gambling Act on 24 February 2010.  This resolution would remain in effect for three years unless revoked by Full Council.

Members were advised that the Authority would consider renewal of the ‘no casino’ resolution at the appropriate time.  The Interim Licensing Manager referred Members to the Statement of Licensing Principles detailed in the report for the reasons why a ‘no casino’ policy had been approved in 2010.

In response to a query from Councillor N Poulton, the Interim Licensing Manager confirmed that references in the Statement of Licensing Principles to ‘tracks’ meant any venue where football, rugby or athletics and motor racing took place, such as the activities available at Rye House near Hoddesdon.

Councillor J Taylor proposed and Councillor E Buckmaster seconded, a motion that the wording in respect of Casinos on page 74 of the report now submitted be deleted from the Statement of Licensing Principles.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared LOST.

The Committee received the report.

RESOLVED – that the draft statement as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ of the report submitted be supported for the purposes of consultation.