Agenda item

The Service Director Legal Services will submit a report informing Members of the responses received to the statement of Gambling Policy Review Consultation and requesting the referral of the report to the Cabinet and Council for formal approval to implement the Gambling Policy as advertised.

The Service Director Legal Services submitted a report informing Members of the responses received to the statement of Gambling Policy Review Consultation and requested the referral of the report to Cabinet and Council for formal approval to implement the Gambling Policy.

It was noted that in line with Statutory guidelines in determining and publishing a Statement of Gambling Policy which must take place every three years, the Licensing Authority had reviewed and carried out the statutory consultation which lasted for 10 weeks and ended on 1^st May, 2020.

A total of 4 responses were received consisting of 2 from elected members, one from Noise Pollution Officer James Gardham and the Gambling Commission, all of which were positive.  The Gambling Commission gave clarification on some points of issues to include a requirement to keep risk assessments on the properties and available for inspection and for stakes on bets being increased from 2019.  The Commission felt that these needed to be included in the amended draft policy.

In relation to the final Gambling Policy being adopted on 24^th July, it required advertising 4 weeks prior.  Members were informed that due to the current Covid-19 restrictions there wasn’t a Full Council planned until October, 2020 so in order to meet the deadlines set out, the Policy would have to be agreed through emergency powers of Cabinet and Council.

RESOLVED that members recommend that the statement of Gambling Policy with an implementation date of the 24^th July, 2020 be adopted and approved by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Spokesperson Core Services in accordance with the urgent action arrangements contained within the Constitution in the absence of a Council meeting.