Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors G Cutting and T Page.

The Chairman advised of the necessity of this extra meeting to consider the report included in the Agenda in respect of the Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005.

To approve the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on Wednesday 14 March 2018.

Councillor R Brunton proposed and Councillor J Jones seconded, a motion that the minutes of the meeting held on 14 March 2018, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 March 2018, be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive the Minutes of meetings of the Licensing Sub–Committee held on:

28 March 2018

21 May 2018

8 June 2018

13 July 2018

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Licensing Sub–Committee meetings held on 28 March, 21 May, 8 June and 13 July 2018, be received.

The Head of Housing and Health submitted a report presenting draft revisions to the Council’s Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005.  The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) advised that the written policy regarding the Council’s Statement of Principles was the least used Licensing Policy in place at the Authority.

The Service Manager commented on the potential for serious implications of gambling for residents in East Herts.  He referred to gaming machines and lottery registrations which were the high volume applications in East Herts.  As a result, the parts of the policy dealing with these areas have been expanded.  Members were advised that there had not been any substantive changes in the law or guidance during the life of the previous policy.

Members were reminded that they were free to comment on the draft policy at any point during the 8 week public consultation period.  A further report would be submitted to Licensing Committee in November to review and consultation responses and then the document would be recommended to Council in December 2018.

The Service Manager confirmed to Councillor R Brunton that not one occasional use notices had ever been used in East Herts.  Councillor R Brunton proposed and Councillor B Deering seconded, a motion that recommendation (A) as now detailed, be approved.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

Councillor P Ballam proposed and Councillor B Deering seconded, a motion that recommendation (B) as now detailed, be approved.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

The Committee approved the recommendations now detailed.

RESOLVED – that (A) Officers commence consultation with responsible authorities, representatives of licence-holders and other persons on the proposed revisions to the Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005; and

(B)   Officers report the results to the Licensing Committee meeting on 14 November 2018.