Decision details

Review of the Statement of Principles for Gambling Premises in Stockton-on-Tees

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: For Determination

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Decision:

STOCKTON-ON-TEES BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

CABINET DECISION

 

PROFORMA

 

Cabinet Meeting ........................................................................ 16 January 2025

 

1.

Title of Item/Report

 

 

Review of the Statement of Principles for Gambling Premises in Stockton-on-Tees

 

2.

Record of the Decision

 

 

Consideration was given to a report on the Review of the Statement of Principles for Gambling Premises in Stockton-on-Tees.

 

The Authority was required, by the Gambling Act 2005, to publish a Statement of Principles (policy) that it proposed to apply when exercising its functions under the Act. This policy must be published every three years.

 

Gambling was regulated in two ways, the Gambling Commission regulated the individuals who provide gambling, carrying out a fit and proper test on licensed operators. The Local Authority issue premise licences to those operators ensuring the premises where gambling was carried out meets legislation and guidance.

 

Gambling had changed in recent years, traditional methods such as betting shops were being replaced with online gambling. The Gambling Commission regulated online gambling. The number of betting shop premises had reduced by 17 over the past 9 years. The main source of statistical data on gambling was from the Gambling Commission website, further information was attached to the report.

 

As well as the Gambling Act 2005, the Gambling Commission Guidance for Local Authorities detailed how the local authority should exercise its functions when licensing premises for gambling.

 

There had been no legislative changes since 2022, as such there had been no material changes to the current policy. The policy has had a refresh regarding look, ease of use and updated information about the Borough, gambling participation and gambling harms, and a copy of the draft was made available to Members.

 

The draft policy was published for a four-week public consultation. The consultation included stakeholders such as the Gambling Commission, trade associations, licensees, children’s services, local residents’ groups, responsible authorities including police and public health, and all members. The consultation was also published on the Council website and a public notice was placed on the notice boards of all public libraries. No comments on the draft policy were received.

 

The Statutory Licensing Committee considered the draft policy at a hearing on 24 September 2024, no additional comments were received.

 

RESOLVED that the revised Statement of Principles for Gambling Premises in Stockton-on-Tees be agreed and come into effect on the 31 January 2025.

 

3.

Reasons for the Decision

 

 

The Council’s current policy came into effect on 31 January 2022 and is now due for review.

 

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

 

 

None

 

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

 

 

None

 

6.

Details of any Dispensations

 

 

None

 

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

 

 

Midnight Monday 27 January 2025

 

 

 

Proper Officer

 

Report author: Carolyn Nice

Publication date: 16/01/2025

Date of decision: 16/01/2025

Decided at meeting: 16/01/2025 - Cabinet

Effective from: 28/01/2025

Accompanying Documents: