The Chairman drew Members’ attention to the updated list of consultation responses which had been tabled.

The Licensing Partnership Manager reminded the Committee that the Council was legally obliged to renew the Gambling Act 2005 Policy every 3 years. The proposed changes to the Policy had already been sent out for consultation. Few amendments to the Policy were proposed but Officers had in particular tried to anticipate the guidance expected from the Gambling Commission in late October or early November 2012. It was felt it would be inappropriate to wait until the guidance had been published as this would provide insufficient time to approve and publish an updated Policy by the deadline of 7 January 2013.

Officers considered that the policy had worked well in practice. The District only had 7 betting premises but these had been found to be well regulated and caused few concerns. Those running the premises demonstrated good knowledge of challenging customers’ ages and practices for customers to exclude themselves. Since the Gambling Act 2005 had been introduced the District had lost 2 but gained 1 new betting premises.

The Chairman believed the Policy had been shown to be fit for purpose so far. He thanked Cllr. Fittock for his helpful response to the consultation.

Resolved: That the policy be recommended for adoption by Full Council.