Issue - meetings

On the recommendation of the Licensing Committee:

1.     To agree the revised Policy found at Appendix B (this is a tracked document highlighting the amendments made to the current policy) and recommend that Full Council adopt the Policy with effect from 14 January 2025.

2.     To adopt a ‘No Casino Resolution’ which will be inserted into the Policy and recommend that Full Council adopt the Policy with effect from 14 January 2025.

The review of the ‘Statement of Gambling Principles and Policy (hereafter referred to as “the Policy”) is required at least every 3 years, as set out within Section 349 of The Gambling Act 2005 (“the Act”).

Recommendation

It is recommended that Members agree to Option 1 or Option 2:

Option 1:

i)       Agree the revised Policy found at Appendix B (this is a tracked document highlighting the amendments made to the current policy) and recommend that Full Council adopt the Policy with effect from 14 January 2025.

ii)      Recommend that Full Council adopt a ‘No Casino Resolution’ which will be inserted into the Policy and recommend that Full Council adopt the Policy with effect from 14 January 2025.

OR

Option 2:

i)       Agree the revised Policy found at Appendix B (this is a tracked document highlighting the amendments made to the current policy) and recommend Full Council adopt the Policy with effect from 14 January 2025.

ii)      Recommend that Full Council do not adopt a ‘No Casino Resolution’.

That public access to the report be immediate.

The Development Management Team Leader introduced the report.

Following the recommendation of the June Licensing Committee, members of the committee tasked officers to consult publicly on the amended policy which must be reviewed every 3 years. In addition, the agreed resolution was that the consultation sought views on whether the council should adopt a “no casino resolution”.

As the committee report sets out, 7 responses were received, which included from members of the public, Batchworth Community Council, Public Health Services at HCC and Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership.

Officers were also made aware of errors within the policy at paragraphs 8.8.4, 8.10.3, 8.13.2, 10.4.1 and 14.1. These will be amended prior to the adoption of the policy, if agreed.

Only Full Council can formally adopt the policy and a “no casino resolution”. If agreed, Full Council on 10 December will consider the recommendation and a supplement will be provided for council asap.

In response to questions raised regarding the cumulative impact assessment  in relation to gambling premises and whether this policy aspect is new, the officer clarified that the assessments have always been in place but due to the limited number of gambling establishments in the district a cumulative impact assessment is not necessary at the current time. Officers also confirmed that regular checks are conducted on these premises to ensure compliance, and address any reported issues.

Members raised concerns about whether the consultation was tailored to reach out to disproportionately affected communities. The officer responded by referencing Appendix 1 of the policy, which lists consultees, including local groups that may be affected by gambling.

The officer acknowledged that while there weren’t many responses, the consultation included various national trade associations and adjacent authorities, aligning with legislative requirements.

Members pointed out that Sarratt Parish Council had not been included on the list of consultees and suggested that officers contact the parish council for clarification. Officers confirmed that Sarratt Parish Council were included in the consultation process.

In response to questions around high profile events like the World Series of Poker at venues such as The Grove, the officer clarified that private casino events would fall under the Gambling Act and would not violate the ‘no casinos’ policy, which is applicable to businesses seeking to establish a casino in the district.

Members expressed confusion regarding the categorise of gaming machines and sought clarification on their differences. The officer referred to Appendix 2 of the report that outlined the various categories of machines and explained that licensing officers can verify the categories and limits of machines based on their licenses.

Members also addressed concerns regarding Moor Park Residents Association’s inclusion in the list of associations. The officer acknowledged the oversight and explained efforts made to inform residents through emails, local media and social media platforms.

Members inquired about the potential for a company to establish a casino and the conditions under which the existing resolution could be broken. The officer explained that resolution prevents any applications for casinos and highlighted that any casino  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17