A report asking the Sub-Committee to approve the revised “Statement of Gambling Principles” for implementation on 31 January 2019.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report asking the Committee to consider proposed revisions to the Statement of Gambling Licensing Principles.

The report stated that on 13 June 2016, the Council had approved its current Statement of Gambling Licensing Principles. The revision of the statement at that time had been due to substantive changes within the Social responsibility codes found within the Licensing Conditions and Codes of Practice issued by the Gambling Commission. This had meant that the Council, as Licensing Authority for Reading, was required to publish a local area risk assessment so that gambling establishments and potential applicants were aware of the issues around anti-social behaviour within proximity of their premises and were aware of their proximity to schools; places of worship and treatment centres. In response to this published local area risk assessment, licence holders had been required to submit a risk assessment on how they would mitigate those issues and risks.

The report explained that the Gambling Act 2005 (the ‘Act’) required the Council to review its Gambling Policy every three years. The policy usually ran for a three year period starting and ending in January. The previous consultation had been undertaken outside of this period due the substantial changes within the legislation. The current consultation would bring the three year timescale for the policy review back into line with the 31 January 2019 to the 31 January 2022 timeframe, subject to any further major revisions emanating from changes in legislation.

The report stated that there had only been one small change to the Statement of Gambling Licensing Principles. This dealt with Fixed Odds Betting Terminals. The change reflected the recent change to FOBT stakes, reducing them from £100 to £2. This was likely to come into force in 2020.

Resolved –    That the revised ‘Statement of Gambling Licensing Principles, as set out in the report, be approved for implementation on 1 January 2019.

(The meeting started at 6.30pm and closed at 7.47pm)