1.1      There were no declarations of interest.

It was RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 2 October 2020 be confirmed and signed as a true record.

3.1      None received.

4.1   Questions received from Councillor Stringer were dealt with under the relevant item.

Report from the Licensing Team attached.

5.1      Kay Sanders, Licensing Officer presented Paper MLR/21/2 to the Committee. The report referred to the review of the current Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Policy for the controlled zone of Mid Suffolk District Council.

5.2      Officers had undertaken a root and branch review of the current Hackney Carriage (Taxi) and Private Hire Policy in accordance with the new Statutory Standards for Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles. Having reviewed the current policy, officers were proposing a new Policy for consultation, as set out in Appendix A.

5.3      It was noted that any typographical errors would be corrected during the consultation process.

5.4      The Chairman and the Licensing Officers responded to Councillor Stringer’s questions regarding incentives for EV taxis and plans for the provision of EV charging points in Stowmarket. Councillor Stringer commented that, considering the climate change emergency, there should be a plan for assisting drivers to migrate to EV taxis included in the new Policy.

5.5      The Licensing Officers responded to Members’ questions in respect of the wearing of face coverings in taxis and the provision of EV vehicle charging points.

5.6      Councillor Brewster proposed that the recommendation contained in Paper MLR/21/2 be approved. Councillor Flatman seconded the proposal.

5.7      On the casting vote of the Chair,

It was RESOLVED:

That the Committee approves the draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Policy document attached as Appendix A for consultation.  Further, that the relevant officers proceed with a 28-day consultation period with the licensed trade, general public and other relevant stakeholders.

Report from the Licensing Team attached.

6.1      Kay Sanders, Licensing Officer presented Paper MLR/21/3 to the Committee. The report referred to policy setting under the Gambling Act 2005. Since January 2007 local licensing authorities have been responsible for functions under the Gambling Act 2005, including issuing of licences and permits for gambling/gaming premises and associated matters.

6.2      Section 349 of the Act requires each licensing authority to prepare and publish a statement of the higher-level principles it will apply when dispensing its various gambling functions. The ‘Statement of Principles’ must by law be reviewed and republished every three years or sooner if required. The report recommended approval of the draft document attached as Appendix A for consultation.

6.3      Members noted that recommendation 3.1 had been amended to include the additional words ‘for consultation’.

6.4      Councillor Stringer proposed that the recommendations contained in Paper MLR/21/3 be approved. Councillor Flatman seconded the proposal.

It was RESOLVED:

1.     That the draft revision Gambling Act 2005 ‘Statement of Principles’ document, attached as Appendix A be approved for consultation. 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 for Gambling Act 2005 functions be adopted to take effect from 31 January 2022.

Report from the Licensing Team attached.

7.1      Kay Sanders, Licensing Officer presented Paper MLR/21/4 to the Committee. The Committee was asked to note the evidence base research contained within the report in regard to a ‘No Casino’ resolution under section 166 of the Gambling Act 2005 (“The Act”); and to make a recommendation to Council for a decision to be taken on whether to adopt a ‘No Casino’ resolution.

7.2      The Licensing Officer responded to a question from Councillor Otton to confirm there had been no applications for a casino within the District.

7.3      Councillor Stringer commented that he was in favour of a ‘No Casino’ resolution as government thinking can change quickly and a resolution would give a clear indication that any future applications would not be considered.

7.4      Councillor Brewster proposed that the recommendations contained in Paper MLR/21/4 be approved. Councillor Flatman seconded the proposal.

It was RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

1.     That the Licensing & Regulatory Committee in considering the evidence base, make a recommendation to Council to determine whether to adopt a ‘No Casino’ resolution; and

2.     That if the Council resolves not to adopt a ‘No Casino’ resolution, this matter will not be debated again unless the allocation under the Gambling Act 2005 is increased by the Secretary of State.