Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 5, 2024

Purpose:

Content: That Council:   a)    Adopts the draft Statement of Licensing Principles 2025-2028;   b)    Delegates authority to make any minor corrections to the Statement of Licensing Principles, to the Executive Director of Place and Economy;     c)    Notes the recommendation of the Licensing and Appeals Committee of 11th November 2024 and does not make a ‘no-casino’ resolution or include the same within the Statement of Licensing Principles 2025-2028.    Reason for Decisions – ·         The Council is required to publish a Statement of Licensing Principles at least every three years and the current statement expires on 30th January 2025. The Licensing and Appeals Committee agreed to recommend the approval of the Statement of Licensing Principles to Council.    ·         The Licensing and Appeals Committee agreed to recommend to Council that a ‘no-casino’ resolution should not be passed. This indicates that the Council, should it be legally permitted to accept applications for casino licences in the future, will consider such applications in accordance with the licensing objectives. At present, there is no facility for the Council to accept such applications, as explained in Section 4 of the report.    Alternative Options Considered – ·         The Council could decide not to update and publish a Statement of Licensing Principles; however, this would be contrary to Section 349 of the Act and would leave the Council open to challenge in relation to any decisions made under the Act.  The Council could decide to pass a no-casino resolution; however, this is not considered desirable for the reasons given at Section 4 of the report.