Agenda and minutes

None

Members will disclose any pecuniary and any other significant interests they may have in relation to the matters under consideration.

None

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 27 February 2020 and Licensing Sub-Committee meetings of 22 April 2020, 8 June 2020 and 10 June 2020 attached.

Deferred until the next meeting of the full Licensing Committee.

Report of the Corporate Director Environment, attached.

The Corporate Director Environment submitted a report to provide members of the Licensing Sub-Committee with information to assist them to determine an application submitted under section 159 of the Gambling Act 2005 (the Act), for a new premises licence.

The Sub-Committee agreed to proceed with the hearing in the absence of the objectors and considered the following documents:

·       the report of the Corporate Director Environment,

·       additional information submitted by the Applicant on Friday 24 July 2020 and Wednesday 29 July 2020,

·       Blackpool Council’s Notice of Rejection in respect of an application at 40, Abingdon Street dated 29 June 2020 submitted by Mr Whur.

The Sub-Committee also heard oral evidence by video link from:

• The Applicant’s legal representative, Philip Kolvin QC and two witnesses Amanda Kiernan and Andy Tipple.

·       Paddy Whur (solicitor acting on behalf of three objectors).

In reaching its decision, the Sub-Committee had regard to:

1. The Gambling Act 2005 (the Act)

2. The Guidance and Code of Practice published by the Gambling Commission

3. The Council’s Statement of Gambling Policy 2016-2021.

4. The Human Rights Act 1998

Decision

After due deliberation, the Sub-Committee decided to grant the premises licence, subject to the mandatory and default conditions prescribed in the Act and subject to the proposed licence conditions offered by the Applicant on p.2 of the Applicant's bundle.

Reasons for the Decision

• The Committee noted that all of the objectors had raised similar concerns about the potential for increased anti-social behaviour and disorder should a licence be granted. In reaching their decision, the Committee had regard to the Licensing Objectives, in particular the requirement to prevent gambling from being a source of crime and disorder and considered the Gambling Commission’s guidance that indicated disorder was more serious and disruptive than mere nuisance
• The Committee noted that there had been no objections from the police who were the lead advisers on crime and disorder and accepted Mr Kolvin’s submission that if there had been any issues with crime or disorder then they would have expected the police to raise these concerns. The Committee also noted that there had been no objections from any other Responsible Authority.
• The Committee heard from Mr Kolvin that his client was a leading national operator of bingo premises which was not a business known for generating crime and disorder and such incidents were extremely rare. Further his client had carried out a detailed local risk assessment and had extensive systems and policies in place should any problems arise. The Committee noted that Cashino had over 163 bingo, adult gaming centre and family entertainment centre premises and never had a review of a bingo premises licence.
• The Committee did not accept Mr Whur’s submission that the statistics showed an issue with ASB in the area. In fact, the police had indicated that the local area had relatively low levels of crime and disorder and although there had been isolated incidents, none had not been associated with gambling premises.
• The Committee acknowledged Mr Kolvin’s submission that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.