The Regulatory Committee met on Tuesday 13 November 2012, deciding to proceed with a Dog Exclusion Order for Petersham Meadows and to consult on proposed changes to the council's Gambling Policy. The committee also noted the existence of Late Night Levies and Early Morning Restriction Orders but decided not to implement them at this time.

Dog Exclusion Order for Petersham Meadows

The committee resolved to propose a Dog Exclusion Order for Petersham Meadows between April and October each year. This order will restrict the admission of dogs, with exceptions made for assistance dogs for registered blind persons. The council will proceed with making the order without further committee reference if no objections arise following statutory consultation. An electric fence is already in place during summer months to protect cattle, and it is hoped the tenant will consider removing this once the dog control order is effective. The consultation process will involve on-site signage and contact with various interest groups.

Gambling Act 2005: Statement of Principles

The committee noted proposed changes to the council's Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005, which must be reviewed and approved every three years. Officers had updated the policy, with amendments suggested by Counsel to align with changes to the Gambling Act 2005. The proposed consultation period will last for four weeks. A key aspect of the proposed new Statement of Principles is the council's ongoing resolution to have no casinos within the borough. The committee was informed that a 'nil policy' on casinos does not prevent applications from being considered, and no new casinos have been approved for the borough. The statutory consultation process will include public notices and placing the draft amended policy in libraries, with any representations to be brought before the committee.

Late Night Levy and Early Morning Restriction Orders

The committee noted the existence of Late Night Levies and Early Morning Restriction Orders but resolved not to implement them within the borough at this time, unless deemed necessary in the future. Late Night Levies could be imposed borough-wide between midnight and 6:00 am. After administrative costs, the council would receive 30% of the income, with the police receiving 70%. However, the police are not obligated to spend this additional income on late-night policing in the borough. Officers expressed concern that the levy would be an unwelcome cost to businesses, particularly given the current economic climate. Early Morning Restriction Orders could be implemented in smaller areas between midnight and 6:00 am, but this would require consultation. It was estimated that approximately 200 establishments in the borough could be affected by either of these measures.