Agenda item - Gambling Policy Review

Extract from the proceedings of the Licensing Committee meeting held on the 29^th November, 2018 (copy to follow); together with a report of the Executive Director for Neighbourhoods, Communities & Housing (copy attached).

50.1      Councillor O’Quinn introduced the report which detailed the review of the 2005 Gambling Policy which was required every three years and recommended that the revised policy be adopted by the Council.  She commended the work of the Licensing Team and especially the Regulatory Services Manager who had also been recognised nationally for his expertise in the area.  She noted that whilst changes could be made to the gambling policy, the proliferation of on-line gambling was more difficult to address but had significant consequences for those who were vulnerable to gambling addiction.

50.2      Councillor Hyde welcomed the report and noted that Brighton & Hove had been highlighted by the Gambling Commission as an area of good practice and sated that was down to the excellent work of the Licensing Team.

50.3      Councillor Deane also welcomed the report and stated that gambling was not generally on people’s radar as an issue and whilst recent proposals to change aspects such as the reduction of a maximum amount to £2 for gambling machines was good news, more needed to be done to address the impact of gambling addiction.

50.4      Councillor Page welcomed the report and stated that there was a need to be as bold as possible in seeking to manage gambling activities in the city.  He suggested that privacy booths were one element that encouraged gambling and should be removed. There were many problems associated with gambling including health and mental health issues which then impacted on other services.

50.5      Councillor O’Quinn welcomed the comments and stated that the Licensing Team was forward thinking in tackling issues associated with the gambling.  The policy had been revised and she recommended it to the council but noted that the issue of on-line gambling was a growing concern.

50.6      The Mayor noted that the recommendation from the Licensing Committee had been moved and put it to the vote which was carried unanimously.

50.7      RESOLVED: That the final Statement of Gambling Policy as set out in appendix 1 to the report be approved and adopted by the Council.