Agenda item - Review of Gambling Policy 2018

That committee instruct officers to carry out a consultation on the draft policy (attached at appendix 1).

8.1       Jim Whitelegg gave a brief overview of the Gambling Policy 2018, he noted that this was being held up by the Gambling Commission as good practice. It was clarified that the changes being proposed were not major and that an initial consultation with Public Health would ensue. It was stated that across 10 pubs, 7 failed to challenge the young male actor and as a result sanctions such as the possible removal of gambling machines were alluded to in the written warning letter.

8.2       Councillor Lynda Hyde enquired how often checks were carried out and if an inspection period should be considered.

8.3       Jim Whitelegg stated that inspections of all gambling venues were conducted annually. He clarified that pubs were now being inspected, he noted that major betting shops now did independent test purchasing and that there was a crossover of alcohol and licensing.

8.4       Councillor West stated that fruit machines had a limit on payout and stake and that the rate at which gamblers could spend all their money on digital machines over old machines had decreased dramatically. He enquired if there was a metric on how quickly one could spend their stake and how this compared to old machines.

8.5       Jim Whitelegg stated that currently new proposals would limit stakes to £2 though he was not aware of any legislation in place regarding the speed of play.

8.6       Councillor Marsh enquired if this was conducted at the same time every year; she expressed concerns regarding the consultation date as school holidays also took place in August. She further enquired if those without internet, who wanted to take part in the consultation, had an alternative mechanism available.

8.7       Jim Whitelegg stated that while there was a portal through the website there were other ways to engage with the process such as through trade bodies, business forums, consultation in public areas like libraries. It was confirmed that residents would not be contacted directly.

8.8       Councillor Morris enquired if test cases using just £1 coins could be conducted to see how much could be physically spent in a certain timeframe.

8.9       Jim Whitelegg stated that all such data should be available from the Gambling Commission.

8.10    RESOLVED - That committee agree the following recommendations:

1.    Instruct officers to carry out a consultation on the draft policy (attached at appendix 1).