Agenda and minutes

Councillor Gwyn James as Vice Chair of the Committee referred to the recent sudden loss of Councillor Paul Hinge who was Chairman of the Committee and paid tribute to his vast work within the County Council. Condolences were expressed to his family.

Councillor Ann Bowen Morgan apologised for her inability to attend the meeting.

Councillor Wyn Evans declared a personal interest in item 5.

It was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 21 March 2024.

Matters arsing

None.

Consideration was given upon the Report on the General update. The report

was presented to review and discuss the implementation and progress of the Licensing Act 2003, together with any ancillary matters arising from responsibilities with which this Committee was charged. Such ancillary matters include the Gambling Act 2005.

An update was provided on the Licensing Act 2003 Associated Matters -ESAG’s (Event Safety Advisory Group) – Licensing Act 2003 Events

Tan Yn Y Mynydd /Fire In The Mountain, Abermagwr, Aberystwyth

30 May 2024 – 3 June 2024

Following questions from the floor on the content of the report, it was AGREED to note the report for information.

Consideration was given to the Ceredigion Draft Statement of Gambling Policy and Proposals for Casinos. The report had been presented to

consider the approach to be adopted by Ceredigion County Council with regard to Casino premises applications prior to submission to Full

Council and to consider the proposed ‘Draft Statement of Gambling Policy 2025’ prior to submission to Full Council.

The background to the relevant legislation was provided. It was reported that the revised Gambling Policy presented would replace the current policy on 31^st January 2025 (proposed minor changes to the current policy were highlighted in red) and the Statement of Policy was provided.

It was reported that the current Gambling policy had proved effective

in guiding Officers, Members, the holders of licences and other authorisations granted under the Gambling Act 2005, plus members of the public, in understanding how the Authority would apply its’ discretion and use its powers under the Act. It was therefore not considered necessary to greatly change the information contained in the current Gambling policy.

Additionally, the Gambling Commission was currently undertaking a review of the Social Responsibility Code of Practice, which would be done in stages with the final changes likely to be in force on 17th January 2025. The commission would review test purchasing, strengthen age verification from ‘Think 21’ to a ‘Think 25’ approach (if a person looks under 25 they will be asked to verify their age to prove they are in fact over 18 years

old and permitted to gamble) and will also look at financial vulnerability checks.

Gambling Commission had indicated that Local Authorities should still proceed with their updated Policy as the proposals in the Code of Practice should not impact the Local Authority statement of policy. The Gambling Act was still being reviewed and the Gambling Commission’s Policy

Manager had issued the following statement:

"As required by the Gambling Act 2005 each Licensing Authority is required to renew their Statement every 3 years. The renewal date in this current cycle is January 2025. The Commission is advising that you should make plans as to how to conduct this renewal process.

"Given the ongoing consultations regarding the Gambling Act it is very unlikely that we will be able to amend the Guidance to Licensing Authorities document tin sufficient time for you to incorporate changes within your own Statement."Whilst it is a matter for local determination, we suggest that the Statement is refreshed in line with the requirements of the Act so as to be enforceable from January 2025. Thereafter we will publish a revised GLA which you can include in a refreshed Statement. You are permitted to revise your Statement within the 3-year timescale”.

Casinos

The Council would need to consider firstly if they wish to continue with the resolution not to have a casino within the County. The decision on this would then be inserted into the revised Gambling Policy that would be published on 31 January 2025. Central Government upon the advice of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.