Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors John Brynmor Hughes, Siôn Jones, Rheinallt Puw and Annwen Daniels.

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

No declarations of personal interest were received from any members present.

To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chairman for consideration.

None to note

The Chairman shall propose that the minutes of the meeting of this Committee, held on 11th of June 2018 be signed as a true record. 

          The Chairman signed the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee held on 11 June 2018 as a true record.

To submit, for information, minutes of the Central Licensing Sub-committee meeting held on the following dates –

a)    20.6.18

b)    17.7.18

          Submitted, for information, the minutes of the meetings of the Central Licensing Sub-committee that took place on 20.06.2018 and 17.07.18.

To consider the report of the Head of Environment

          Submitted - the report of the Head of Environment Department, noting that the Gambling Policy Statement had already been approved, subject to conducting an Equality Impact Assessment. It was confirmed that an Equality Impact Assessment had now been completed, and it was reported that research on the impact of gambling on public health published in October 2017 had been considered as relevant evidence for the assessment.

          During the ensuing discussion, the following main observations by members were noted:

·         There were still concerns about the number of gambling advertisements appearing on television

·         Access to gambling services was too easy

In response to a question regarding the impact of gambling on families and communities, it was emphasised that there was very little evidence available on the impact. It was reported that the Gambling Commission, along with the Health Council, intended to carry out research work on the impact on families and communities.

In response to a question regarding the consistency of information across the Councils in north Wales, it was noted that the Gambling Commission had drafted specific guidance for Licensing Authorities on the content of the policy. It was noted that the Gwynedd policy style had been adopted across north Wales as it was a clear and logical style.

RESOLVED to accept the Gambling Policy Statement and the Equality Impact Assessment in accordance with the 2005 Gambling Act and approve it for adoption by the full Council.