Agenda item - Underage Gambling Test Purchase Operation

7.1       The Committee considered a report of the Director of Public Health detailing a recent underage gambling test purchase exercise by the Council’s Licensing Team assisted by the Gambling Commission on the 25^th April 2014.

7.2       Councillor Duncan enquired regarding the sanctions which were put in place in instances where premises had failed test purchases. Were there instances for example where premises were closed down immediately. The Senior Environmental Health Officer, Mr Whitelegg explained that the policy had to be applied proportionately and commensurate with any offence committed.

7.3       Councillor Rufus sought clarification as to whether certain types of premises had been targeted, for example chains as opposed to small independent businesses and whether any pattern had emerged regarding lack of training for example which had led to staff being unaware of unable or to meet their responsibilities.

7.4       The Head of Regulatory Services explained that the premises visited had followed the Gambling Commission’s own suggestions regarding the representative sample to be used. The results had highlighted an issue which needed to be addressed. The Senior Environmental Health Officer agreed that all premises which had failed would be re-visited and checked and it was also agreed that that there would be a further report back to the next scheduled meeting of the Committee advising on the outcomes and future programme of action.

7.5       RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee notes the contents of the report; and

            (2) That officers continue to monitor premises and take appropriate enforcement action including test purchases.