Issue - meetings

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth presented the revised draft Statement of Gambling Principles, following public consultation. The Executive Member for Planning and Growth highlighted that the Council was required to review its gambling policy every three years. It was noted that whilst the district historically held low numbers of gambling licences and received few complaints, it remained important to retain a robust policy

Councillor Glover-Ward proposed that the recommendation in the report be supported. Councillor Thomas seconded the proposal.

Members supported the proposal and expressed desire for the Council to hold wider powers to regulate gambling.

The motion to support the recommendation having been proposed and seconded was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – That, following the public consultation, the draft Statement of Licensing Principles under the Gambling Act, including any amendments be adopted.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth presented the revised draft Statement of Gambling Principles, following public consultation. The Executive Member for Planning and Growth highlighted that the Council was required to review its gambling policy every three years. It was noted that whilst the district historically held low numbers of gambling licences and received few complaints, it remained important to retain a robust policy.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth said that the Licensing Committee had reviewed the draft statement without highlighting any proposed changes and that the Chair of the Licensing Committee had acknowledged its thoroughness. Two responses were received in response to the public consultation, neither of which raised concerns about the policy itself and therefore no further amendments had been made.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth proposed that the recommendations in the report, be supported. The Executive Member for Environmental Sustainability seconded the proposal.

The Executive Member for Neighbourhoods welcomed the updated gambling policy and thanked the Executive Member and officers for their work, she acknowledged sections 10.7 and 10.8 of the policy, which highlighted the serious health impacts of problem gambling, including suicide and family breakdown. Whilst supporting the policy, The Executive Member for Neighbourhoodsexpressed regret over the limitations local councils had in restricting gambling promotion and advertising. In response, it was confirmed that East Herts had a policy prohibiting gambling advertising across its own venues and related areas.

The motion to support the recommendation, having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that following public consultation, the Executive Members reviewed the draft Statement of Licensing Principles under the Gambling Act and recommended the Statement, including any amendments, to Council for adoption.