Agenda and minutes

Venue: The Jeffrey Room, St. Giles Square, Northampton, NN1 1DE.

Contact: Email: democraticservices@northampton.gov.uk  01604 837722

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sargeant, Walker and Culbard.

2.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 61 KB

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 19th June 2018 were agreed and signed by the Chair.

3.

Deputations / Public Addresses

Minutes:

There were none.

4.

Declarations of Interest

Minutes:

There were none.

5.

Matters of Urgency which by reason of special circumstances the chair is of the opinion should be considered

Minutes:

There were none.

7.

Gambling Act 2005 - Application for an LPGM Permit pdf icon PDF 115 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Environmental Health & Licensing Manager submitted a report and elaborated thereon. She explained that since the premises did not have an existing notification or gaming machine permit in accordance with S34 of the Gaming Act 1968 or the Gambling Act 2005, the application should be treated as a new application for an LPGM Permit for 11 category C, and 4 category D machines. Members noted that should an LPGM Permit be granted, the Committee would be unable to attach any conditions to it, however they could vary the category and/or number of machines, and that the permit would last indefinitely, unless subject to earlier termination which was allowed in specific circumstances.

 

Patrick Robson, representing the applicant, reported that as a licensed premises, the hotel had a clean record with regards to regulatory issues. He stated that the games room would not be a destination for gamblers, but extra amenity for hotel guests, and that the games room would not be advertised externally.

 

At this point Mr Robson circulated photographs of signage throughout the hotel’s ground floor stating that the games room was a restricted area and off limits to under 18s, and highlighted that only one door would allow access and egress; the rest would remain locked, apart from a fire exit which would be alarmed. It was also noted that the entrance to the games room would have a coded lock. Mr Robson further explained that the games room would be operational only during times that licensable activities took place and that during those times, a member of staff would always be present. An attendance register, and a refusal register, would be kept by staff who would be practicing the “Challenge 25” policy.

 

Regarding security, Mr Robson confirmed that there were presently 60 CCTV cameras throughout the hotel with 4 located within the games room, with plans to add another 11 to the games room; a live feed of the cameras in the games room would be available to view by staff at reception, however, images would also be retained for 90 days.

 

It was explained that there were no ATMs on the premises and signage was located throughout the games room asking customers to play responsibly and there would be “GamCare” leaflets available for customers also.

 

Mr Robson commented that the Licensing Committee would not be departing from any existing Council policy if the application was granted.

 

In response to questions, the Committee were informed that customers would not be able to receive cash back from any card purchases at the hotel.

 

It was explained that the size of the room was sufficient enough to warrant the quantity of machines requested.

 

The Council’s Licensing solicitor explained to Members their choices when deliberating and reiterated the point that they could not impose conditions, but could modify the category and quantity of machines, and advised that there were powers in place to review the licence, should the need arise.

 

Members retired at 18:51 to make a decision.

 

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.