Agenda item

Doncaster Living theme

Prior to consideration by Cabinet and decision by Full Council the Committee gave consideration to the Statement of Licensing Policy 2019 – Gambling Act 2005 following it’s triennial review.

The Local Authority was required to produce the Licensing Policy which sets out the basis for all relevant licensing decisions to be taken by the Authority over the next three years and take effect from 31^st January, 2019.

Members addressed the Policy and discussed the following areas:

Number of gambling establishments – it was noted that the number of book makers on high street premises was now closer to 60 rather than 70 in 2007, but acknowledged that there was more on-line gambling facilities available.  In response to questions, it was confirmed that the Local Authority could not dictate the number of gambling establishments and if there were objections to an application, for whatever reason, the Licensing Committee would give consideration to the application and agree whether to approve a license.

Maximum bet (fixed odds betting terminals) – due to gamblers being able to lose large sums of money very quickly, it was confirmed that the Government had supported a maximum bet of £2.  It was unclear as to when this would take effect from but confirmed unlikely to be before the end of 2019.

Public Health involvement and vulnerable people – Members were pleased to learn that the two main changes to the Policy related to the defining of a vulnerable person and Public Health’s involvement as a non-statutory consultee to any new gambling application received, which ultimately assists the Local Authority in making a more informed decision.

Specifically with regard to protection and reducing the harm posed to vulnerable people, Members sought clarity on whether the Local Authority had gone as far as it could within the confines of legislation.  It was confirmed that the Policy is required to address permitting licenses for gambling however, Local Authorities could introduce supporting policies, for example, placing a limit on the number of gambling establishments in high streets.

The Committee welcomed the working being undertaken by Public Health, including the establishment of the Gambling and Financial Inclusion Group and training for front line staff to recognise gambling addictions and provide support. 

It was noted that statistics on the gambling population were collated through “Gamcare”, the national organisation that provided funding to provide support, to people who have gambling addictions and associated issues.  It was acknowledged that gambling tended to manifest itself as something else, for example, the cause of depression, crime to fund the habit and family problems.  Members stressed and recognised that gambling addiction was not visible and only apparent when a person raises the issue through a friend, health body or organisation.

Risk assessments and monitoring of premises – It was confirmed that it was the gambling establishment’s responsibility to undertake risk assessments. Every premise within the Local Authority area received an inspection with spot check visits if required.  It was noted that historically complaints were addressed when received by members of the public, but these had been very rare.

It was acknowledged that some people do have personal issues with gambling establishments and these would not generally be reported to the Local Authority.

Education – it was accepted that gambling was a legal activity that many people take part in, however, the Committee was pleased to note that a “Responsible Gambling” week was being held in November, 2018 to deliver safe gambling messages.

Members expressed concern with regard to young people who could be tempted to gamble and were pleased to note the inclusion of some questions relating to gambling in the pupil lifestyle survey undertaken by Public Health.  The results from the survey would start to give a picture of the behaviour of young people in relation to gambling. It was stressed that the local authority could not control a young person’s actions but promote the illegalities and harms that gambling can cause, particularly through online facilities.

Casinos – It was also noted that the Government had assigned designated areas where casinos could be established and Doncaster was not in one of those areas.

RESOLVED that:-

1.       The Statement of Licensing Policy 2019 – Gambling Act 2005, be supported;

2.       An update on the work being undertaken by Public Health, be provided to a future meeting of the HASC Scrutiny Panel during 2019/2020;  and

3.       Thanks be provided to Public Health for the new initiatives being undertaken to support people with gambling addiction.