None declared.

It was RESOLVED

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee held on 1 December 2017 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

None received.

4.1     David Price, Licensing Officer, presented Paper MLR/18/2 which sought the Committee’s approval for consultation purposes of the draft Statement of Principles (Appendix A to Paper MLR/18/2).  Members also had before them a Summary of Changes made to the Statement of Principles attached as Appendix B.

4.2     The Committee was asked to approve the Table of Fees attached as Appendix C. 

4.3     Simon Smith, the Legal Adviser to the Committee clarified the position regarding the consultation on the draft Statement, the results of which would be reported to the Committee in due course, prior to the Committee being asked to recommend Council to adopt the finalised version of the Statement, to take effect from 31 January 2019 for a period of three years.  The Committee had the power to adopt the Table of Fees.

4.4     The Licensing Officer responded to questions from Members on the draft Statement.  He confirmed that the majority of the changes referred to in Appendix B were of a minor nature, to reflect changes required to comply with the Fifth Edition of the Gambling Commission’s national guidance to local authorities, or to update terms and descriptions.  He will re-visit the list of consultees to ensure it is comprehensive.

4.5     The Licensing Officer explained the difference between Temporary Use and Occasional Use Notices (Part C 6 and 7) with Temporary Use Notice not classified at venues for ‘Tracks’ in line with national guidance.

4.6     In response to questions about the Table of Fees, the Licensing Officer advised that the fees charged continue to be the maxima allowed.  There are only two betting shops in Mid Suffolk (in Stowmarket) so the fee has to be split between them.  There are currently no casinos within the District.

It was RESOLVED

(1)            That the draft revision Gambling Act 2005 ‘Statement of Principles’ document, attached as Appendix A to Paper MLR/18/2 be approved for consultation purposes.  Further that the relevant officers proceed with the commencement of a period of statutory consultation in accordance with Gambling Act 2005 legislation and regulations.

(2)            That the Table of Fees attached as Appendix C to Paper MLR/18/2 for Gambling Act 2005 functions be adopted to take effect from 31 January 2019.