The Licensing Committee convened to address key licensing matters, including a review of an existing dual driver's licence and the consideration of consultation responses for the Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-2028. Following a closed session to discuss sensitive information, the committee recommended the draft Statement of Gambling Policy be approved by the Council's Cabinet. Additionally, the committee noted an urgent decision regarding a dual driver's licence review.

Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-2028

The committee reviewed the consultation responses for the council's draft Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-2028. The policy is required under Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 which states that licensing authorities must prepare a statement of the principles that they propose to apply in exercising their functions under the Act every three years. The aim of the policy is to assist the Licensing Authority in determining applications and to provide clarity for applicants, residents and members of the business community.

The draft policy was made available to view on the Council website and at Morecambe and Lancaster Town Halls during a six-week public consultation period. The Senior Licensing Officer, Sarah Jones, reported that no responses were received during the consultation period.

Councillor Margaret Pattison noted that at the June meeting the Committee had requested that the Citizens Advice Bureau be added to the list of consultees, but they were not included in the list provided within the report.

Despite the lack of responses, the committee moved to recommend the draft Statement of Gambling Policy to the Council's Cabinet for approval. Councillor Margaret Pattison proposed the motion, which was seconded by Councillor Gerry Blaikie and unanimously agreed upon.

The draft policy itself states that:

Gambling can be a source of pleasure for many people. However, some of the more vulnerable people in society use gambling as a means to improve their financial position but often find that the losses incurred provide very little pleasure and actually cause a great deal of harm.

The policy outlines how the council intends to exercise its duties under the Gambling Act 2005, including licensing premises where gambling activities will take place and licensing certain other activities, such as registering small society lotteries.

Dual Driver's Licence

The committee convened in a closed session, excluding the press and public, to discuss an existing dual driver's licence (Hackney Carriage and Private Hire). The Senior Licensing Officer presented a report, and the committee determined what action to take on the licence. The details of the case and the decision were set out in Exempt Minute No.24, in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Following the closed session, the committee reconvened in public session to note an urgent decision taken by the Licensing Manager, Jennifer Curtis, in consultation with the Chair of Licensing Committee, Councillor Sally Maddocks, regarding a review of a dual driver's licence.