Agenda item

Report of the Group Director of Services

The Group Director of Services submitted a report (previously circulated) for Members to recommend a new Statement of Licensing Principles for the Gambling Act 2005 (Gambling Policy) and to be submitted to Council for approval.

The submitted report advised Members that The Gambling Act 2005 required licensing authorities to publish a Statement of Principles that they proposed to apply in exercising their functions under the Act every three years, and Darlington’s current Statement of Licensing Principles was published in January 2019 and a new policy was due to be published in January 2022.

It was reported that on 17 August 2021 (Minute LA7/Aug/21 refers) this Committee approved a draft of this revised policy for public consultation which was carried out between 17 August and 19 September 2021.

It was also reported that acknowledgement of the review was also received by Gamble Aware; and a number of comments on the policy had also been received from Gosschalks Solicitors and Members considered these comments in relation to the policy and agreed the suggestions made.

Members were also advised that the data from the census which took place on 21 March 2021, relevant to the local area profile of this document will be included prior to final approval of this policy and incorporated prior to publication.

Members discussed in particular Family Entertainment Centre’s with regard to the protection of children and vulnerable persons from harm or being exploited by gambling and agreed that the policy be amended to include the awareness of vulnerability issues around children, such as ‘county lines’ and to demonstrate that applicants have received relevant up to date training thereon.

RESOLVED – That the Licensing Principles for the Gambling Act Policy document, with the amendments made following consultation and by this Licensing Act 2003 Committee, be approved by Full Council.