Agenda item

Context

To consider the approach to be adopted by Monmouthshire County Council with regard to casino premises applications within the County prior to submission to Full Council.

To consider the proposed ‘Draft Statement of Gambling Policy 2019’ prior to submission to Full Council.

Key Issues

Each Local Authority, under the provisions of Section 154 of the Gambling Act 2005, must issue a policy which will determine how they will discharge their functions. The current policy held by this Authority under the Gambling Act was approved at Full Council on 19th November 2015. There is a duty to review the policy every three years.

The new policy will be required to commence on 31st January 2019, in accordance with the Act. This report sets out the procedure and proposed policy statement, in particular the principle regarding casinos, prior to consideration at Full Council.

The Council will need to consider firstly if they wish to continue with the resolution not to have a casino within the County. The decision on this will then be inserted into the revised Gambling Policy that will be published on 31st January 2019.

140 casinos were permitted across the UK, to continue to operate under grandfather rights when the Gambling Act came into force on 1st September 2007. Central Government upon the advice of the Casino Advisory Panel permitted a further 8 large and 8 small casinos, which have all been duly issued. There is 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 one of the 8 large or 8 small casinos become available or if Government changes their stance on casinos and increase the permitted numbers.

Before any licence for a Casino is granted the Casino Advisory Panel will advise Central Government that the area is 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. However, before a decision is made to go against the current stance not to have casinos within the County, Members should be aware of the ‘Chief Medical Officer for Wales Annual Report 2016-2017 – Gambling with our

health’ http://gov.wales/topics/health/professionals/cmo/reports/?lang=en and their concerns relating to Gambling which is referred to in the Future Generation report.

With regards to the Policy and how the Council will discharge their functions. The Policy must contain objectives regarding the following;

 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 conducted in a fair and open way, and

 Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

The Council will also need to have regard to any relevant code of practice issued by the Secretary of State, guidance issued by the Gambling Commission, how they exercise their functions consistent with the objectives and in accordance with the policy itself.

The Policy must be approved by Full Council and can last for a period of three years, in accordance with Section 154(2) of the Gambling Act 2005. It further states within Section 349 that prior to approval consultation must take place with;

 The Police

 The Fire Authority

 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 revised policy must be published and in place for commencement on 31st January 2019. The Gwent Licensing Forum, which consists of Council Licensing Officers, Gambling Commission and Public Health covering the areas of Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Newport, has worked on formulating a policy to incorporate any legal changes and best practice. The proposed Policy has been endorsed by the Gwent Licensing Forum with the aim of all five Authorities adopting this Policy, subject to changes pertinent to each Authorities area and character.

The timetable of events planned for the transition of the Statement of Gambling Policy are as follows:-

12th June 2018 First Draft of Policy to the Licensing and Regulatory

Committee

18st June 2018 – 31st August 2018 Consultation on Gambling Policy – Send out letters and put on the website.

18th Sept 2018 Final Draft, results of consultation to the Licensing and

Regulatory Committee

25th Oct 2018 Gambling Policy report to Full Council

Members Comments

Members appreciated that all slots were taken at present but asked if the authority had ever been approached by a Casino.

The Government’s change in reducing the stake in gambling machines was applauded as the negative impact gambling can have on society was highlighted.

Members asked if there is a limit on the number of gambling machines in a premises and if this was monitored.

A Member asked if we have information or can signpost people with a gambling problem to help.

A Member asked if it would be possible to shadow MCC licensing officers when they visit a gambling establishment.

Recommendations agreed unanimously by the committee

·         Members consider whether to retain the current resolution not to issue casino licences within the County of Monmouthshire prior to it being considered at Full Council.

·         Members consider the proposed updated policy statement and comment accordingly (changes highlighted in red), which is attached as Appendix A.