Agenda and draft minutes

The Licensing Panel considered the appointment of a Chairman for the meeting.

Resolved:

That Councillor Hunter be appointed Chairman for the meeting.

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

(1) the type of interest concerned

(2) the nature of the interest concerned; and

(3) whether they have or have not sat on a Planning Committee which has previously considered a planning application in respect of a licensed premises which is also subject to consideration for a premises licence as part of the agenda for this meeting.

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

(Members are asked to also pay particular attention to the guidance sheet on interests supplied with the agenda).

There were no declarations of interest on this occasion.

The Chairman explained the procedure for the meeting, including the order in which the applicant and objector would be heard and that the decision of the Panel would be communicated in writing within five-working days.

To consider an application for a new bingo premises licence for Merkur Slots, 40 Abingdon Street, Blackpool, FY1 1DA.

The Panel considered an application for a new Bingo Premises Licence at Merkur Slots, Abingdon Street, Blackpool, FY1 1DA.

The applicant, Cashino Gaming Ltd, was represented by Mr Richard Bradley, Poppleston-Allen Solicitors, and accompanied by Ms Amanda Kiernan, Head of Compliance, Cashino Gaming Limited; and Mr Andy Tipple, Head of Product, Cashino Gaming Limited.

Mr Bradley outlined the case for approving the application stating that Cashino Gaming Ltd was a large national company that would operate the site under the Merkur Slots brand. As a large company it was explained that Cashino Gaming was a recognised responsible operator that submitted an Annual Assurance Statement to the Gambling Commission, demonstrating its compliance with regulations. It was also stated that no licences held by Cashino Gaming had been the subject of a licensing review in the past. Mr Bradley also highlighted that no objections to the application had been received from statutory responsible authorities such as Lancashire Constabulary.

It was intended that the site at 40 Abingdon Street would be a combined Bingo-Slots establishment, with the focus on Bingo. This form of gambling was described as low value and typical involved low spending by customers. Mr Bradley also outlined the mitigation and processes undertaken by Cashino Gaming at its other locations to ensure that its practices addressed risks protected customers and the local community. This included a strict policy on signage and advertising that did not target young people and the layout of the location would restrict the view of the interior from the street. It was further explained that the location would be staffed at all times and that all members of staff would be trained to ensure customers were safeguarded and that positive gambling would be promoted. It was also stated that there was no proposal to operate the site twenty-four hours a day and that while no crime and disorder issues had been identified as part of the risk assessment Cashino Gaming was committed to addressing any that may arise. In conclusion Mr Bradley stated that Cashino Gaming believed that the application met the Licensing Objectives and should therefore be approved.

The Panel queried how many bingo tablets and slot machines would be installed at the site. In response Mr Tipple explained that twenty hand held Bingo tablets, 21 Cat-C Slot terminals and four Slot/Bingo Tri-Max terminals. This was described as the high street standard offered at Merkur Slot locations.

Mr Bradley added that the applicant would be happy to accept conditions if licence was approved. Specifically that there would be no pre-planned single manning after 8.00pm and that opening hours would be restricted until 1.00am or 2.00am.

Mr Paddy Whur, Woods Whur Solicitors, outlined objections to the application on behalf of Abingdon Barbeque, 44 Abingdon Street, and the Bread Basket, 55 Abingdon Street. It was stated that the objectors did not believe that adequate consideration had been given to local concerns in the development of the risk assessment supporting the application. Mr Whur expressed the view that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.