Agenda item

Report of the Corporate Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance) on the adoption of the Council’s Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005.

Report of the Corporate Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance) on the adoption of the Council’s Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005.

Section 349 of the Gambling Act established a requirement for all licensing authorities to prepare and publish a statement of the principles that they proposed to apply in exercising their functions under the Act every three years.

The following points were raised and discussed:

•    The revised statement had been produced with very few changes, reflecting the fact that there were no significant alterations in the updated guidance from the Gambling Commission.

•    A separate document had been produced forming the local area profile. This included maps showing the location of premises which may affect the positioning of gambling premises. There was no statuary requirement on the licensing authority to do this, however it was considered good practice. The objective of the profile was to set out what the area was like, what the risks might pose to the licensing objectives and what the implications were for the licensing authority and operators.

•    Maps had been produced for 16 areas in Welwyn Hatfield showing various points of interest that may relate to gambling awareness.

•    Members thought that the report was very informative and were surprised at the amount of businesses in the area the policy could affect.

•    Members thought the adoption of the maps was a useful tool and although it was not compulsory, thought that it was good that the Council had adopted the approach.

•    Members thanked the licensing team for their hard work and time.

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

The committee considered and approved The Welwyn Hatfield Council draft statement of licensing policy 2022-2025 and for it to be released for consultation.