To receive any apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Committee.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Amil, Atiya-Alla, Mandy Darling, Kennedy, Mills and Pentney.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 28 August 2020 and 11 March 2021.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 28 August 2020 and 11 March 2021 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Chairman advised that the urgent item in respect of Peregrine Retail Limited, 119 Newton Road, Torquay would be considered by a Licensing Sub-Committee upon the rising the Licensing Committee.

To consider a report on the draft ‘Gambling Policy’ which Torbay Council is required to review and publish every three years.

Members considered the draft ‘Gambling Act 2005, Statement of Principles 2022-25’ which had been released for public consultation.  The Environmental Health Manager (Commercial) informed Members that the Council was required to review and publish the Gambling Act 2005, Statement of Principles 2022 -25 every three years.  Members were advised that the document forms part of the Council’s Policy Framework with final ratification of the policy being a full Council function, the Licensing Committee in this instance was a consultee.

The Environmental Health Manager (Commercial) provided details of advice that had been received from Philip Kolvin QC, Cornerstone Barristers and the Gambling Commission which had resulted in changes being made to the policy.  The Environmental Health Manager (Commercial) also responded to Members questions.

Resolved:

That the Licensing Committee recommends the approval of the Gambling Act 2003 – Draft Licensing Statement of Principles 2022 to 2025.