Wrthi'n llwytho
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AGREED to note the report for information.
AGREED: - (i) to retain the current resolution not to issue casino licences within the County of Ceredigion prior to it being considered at Full Council (ii) to the updated Gambling policy statement for the period 31January 2025 to 30 January 2028; and (iii) to commence the statutory consultation process prior to determining the new statement
Councillor Gwyn James as Vice Chair of the Committee referred to the recent sudden loss of Councillor Paul Hinge who was Chairman of the Committee and paid tribute to his vast work within the County Council. Condolences were expressed to his family.
Councillor Ann Bowen Morgan apologised for her inability to attend the meeting.
Councillor Wyn Evans declared a personal interest in item 5.
It was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 21 March 2024. Matters arsing None.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
AGREED to note the report for information.
Consideration was given upon the Report on the General update. The report was presented to review and discuss the implementation and progress of the Licensing Act 2003, together with any ancillary matters arising from responsibilities with which this Committee was charged. Such ancillary matters include the Gambling Act 2005. An update was provided on the Licensing Act 2003 Associated Matters -ESAG’s (Event Safety Advisory Group) – Licensing Act 2003 Events Tan Yn Y Mynydd /Fire In The Mountain, Abermagwr, Aberystwyth 30 May 2024 – 3 June 2024 Following questions from the floor on the content of the report, it was AGREED to note the report for information.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
AGREED: - (i) to retain the current resolution not to issue casino licences within the County of Ceredigion prior to it being considered at Full Council (ii) to the updated Gambling policy statement for the period 31January 2025 to 30 January 2028; and (iii) to commence the statutory consultation process prior to determining the new statement
Consideration was given to the Ceredigion Draft Statement of Gambling Policy and Proposals for Casinos. The report had been presented to consider the approach to be adopted by Ceredigion County Council with regard to Casino premises applications prior to submission to Full Council and to consider the proposed ‘Draft Statement of Gambling Policy 2025’ prior to submission to Full Council. The background to the relevant legislation was provided. It was reported that the revised Gambling Policy presented would replace the current policy on 31st January 2025 (proposed minor changes to the current policy were highlighted in red) and the Statement of Policy was provided. It was reported that the current Gambling policy had proved effective in guiding Officers, Members, the holders of licences and other authorisations granted under the Gambling Act 2005, plus members of the public, in understanding how the Authority would apply its’ discretion and use its powers under the Act. It was therefore not considered necessary to greatly change the information contained in the current Gambling policy. Additionally, the Gambling Commission was currently undertaking a review of the Social Responsibility Code of Practice, which would be done in stages with the final changes likely to be in force on 17th January 2025. The commission would review test purchasing, strengthen age verification from ‘Think 21’ to a ‘Think 25’ approach (if a person looks under 25 they will be asked to verify their age to prove they are in fact over 18 years old and permitted to gamble) and will also look at financial vulnerability checks. Gambling Commission had indicated that Local Authorities should still proceed with their updated Policy as the proposals in the Code of Practice should not impact the Local Authority statement of policy. The Gambling Act was still being reviewed and the Gambling Commission’s Policy Manager had issued the following statement: "As required by the Gambling Act 2005 each Licensing Authority is required to renew their Statement every 3 years. The renewal date in this current cycle is January 2025. The Commission is advising that you should make plans as to how to conduct this renewal process. "Given the ongoing consultations regarding the Gambling Act it is very unlikely that we will be able to amend the Guidance to Licensing Authorities document tin sufficient time for you to incorporate changes within your own Statement."Whilst it is a matter for local determination, we suggest that the Statement is refreshed in line with the requirements of the Act so as to be enforceable from January 2025. Thereafter we will publish a revised GLA which you can include in a refreshed Statement. You are permitted to revise your Statement within the 3-year timescale”. Casinos The Council would need to consider firstly if they wish to continue with the resolution not to have a casino within the County. The decision on this would then be inserted into the revised Gambling Policy that would be published on 31 January 2025. Central Government upon the advice of the Casino Advisory Panel permitted 8 large and 8 small casinos along with those who had grandfather rights when the Act came into force, which had all been duly issued. There was currently no further provision for more casinos to be allocated. However, the Council still need to consider the course of action they wish to take with casinos and place this within the Gambling Policy should the availability of casinos change. Before any licence for a Casino was granted, the Casino Advisory Panel would advise Central Government that the area was in need of regeneration and Monmouthshire would have to satisfy them that this is the case along with the type of area, social impact, community benefits and unique characteristics. Consultation on the Gambling Policy Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 provides that in preparing a revision of the statement of Gambling policy, the Authority shall consult with: • The Chief Officer of police for the Authority’s area; • One or more persons who appear to the Authority to represent the interests of persons carrying on gambling businesses in the Authority’s area, and • One or more persons who appear to the Authority to represent the interests of persons who are likely to be affected by the exercise of the Authority’s functions under the Act. The Gambling Commission guidance explains that this is “deliberately wide” as it allows Licensing Authorities to undertake a comprehensive consultation exercise with anyone who may be affected by, or otherwise have an interest in, their Gambling policy. The Guidance further provides that “it is a matter for licensing authorities to develop their own consultation practices, including the methods for consultation and who they consider it necessary to consult with, which might include consultation with relevant local groups, businesses and responsible authorities. It is proposed that the consultation process should follow a similar format to previous years and as only minimal changes are proposed to the existing Gambling policy, the duration of the consultation will be 8 weeks. This would include: • Formal notification to the Chief Officer of Police, as specifically required under the Gambling Act 2005; • Written notification to - Responsible Authorities under the Act, and - Local gambling businesses, including their head office where appropriate; • Formal consultation via the Local Authority website to allow local residents, community groups, businesses and others to respond; • Consultation with other departments in respect of local risk assessments; and • Social media and other avenues will be used to publicise the consultation. Licensing Objectives The licensing objectives were: • Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime; • Ensuring that gambling is carried out in a fair and open way; • Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling. The competent body for the purpose of advising the local authority on protecting children from harm would be Children’s Services in Ceredigion, this being the service with responsibility for child welfare. Similarly, in respect of vulnerable adults, the competent body for the purpose of advising the local authority will be Adult Services. Following questions from the floor, it was AGREED: - (i) to retain the current resolution not to issue casino licences within the County of Ceredigion prior to it being considered at Full Council (ii) to the updated Gambling policy statement for the period 31January 2025 to 30 January 2028; and (iii) to commence the statutory consultation process prior to determining the new statement
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