Agenda and minutes

Members are asked to declare any interests in the items under consideration and in doing so state:

(1) the type of interest concerned; and

(2) the nature of the interest concerned

If any member requires advice on declarations of interests, they are advised to contact the Head of Democratic Governance in advance of the meeting.

Councillor G Coleman declared a Prejuidicial Interest in Item 4 Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, the nature of the interest being that he held a Private Hire Driver’s Licence.

To agree the minutes of the last meeting held on 15^th September 2015 as a true and correct record.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on the 15^th September 2015 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To consider the revised Statement of Licensing Policy under the Gambling Act 2005

The Committee considered the revised Statement of Gambling Policy. It was noted that following the meeting of the Committee on the 15^th September 2015 a brief period of consultation had taken place and two representations had been received by the deadline of the 23^rd October 2015 from Coral’s and from Gosschalks Solicitors on behalf of the Association of British Bookmakers. Mrs Davies explained that in light of these representations that it was now recommended that the policy be amended to clarify that the Licensing Authority would always have regard to the three Licensing Objectives set out in the Gambling Act 2005 and to further emphasise at page 8 what the Licensing Authority would and would not consider in looking at the suitability of locations for gambling premises.

Mrs Davies reminded the Committee that a full review of the Statement of Licensing Policy would be undertaken in 2016 using the recently issued Gambling Commission guidance. This statement of Licensing Policy was therefore an updated version of the current statement to ensure that the Council still had a policy when it expired.

Resolved:

1.To note the two representations that have been received.

2.To approve the revised content of the proposed policy and recommend it for approval to the Executive for recommendation to Council.

To consider the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy

The Committee considered a proposal to revise the Hackney and Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.

In response to questions Mrs Davies explained a separate policy was being developed for horse drawn hackney carriages and that this policy would be brought to a future meeting of the Committee.

Resolved:

To agree the content of the draft policy and to approve a twelve week consultation period with the trade and other interested parties.

(Councillor G Coleman having declared a prejudicial interest left the meeting for this item and did not take part in the voting or debate)