The Licensing and Gambling Sub Committee of Caerphilly Council met on Wednesday 19 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the renewal of a gambling licence for a local betting shop and the introduction of new safety measures for licensed premises. Decisions were made to approve the licence renewal and to implement the proposed safety measures.

Renewal of Gambling Licence

The committee reviewed an application for the renewal of a gambling licence for Betfred located at Castle Court Shopping Centre. The application was supported by a detailed Report and Appendices. The committee discussed the shop's compliance with existing regulations and its efforts to promote responsible gambling.

Councillors noted that Betfred had consistently adhered to all regulatory requirements and had implemented effective measures to prevent problem gambling, according to the Printed minutes. There were no objections from the public or other stakeholders. The committee unanimously decided to approve the renewal of the licence.

Introduction of New Safety Measures

The committee also considered the introduction of new safety measures for licensed premises, as outlined in Appendix 2. These measures include mandatory installation of CCTV, enhanced staff training on handling intoxicated patrons, and stricter age verification processes.

Councillors debated the potential impact of these measures on local businesses. Some expressed concerns about the financial burden on small establishments, while others emphasised the importance of public safety. Councillor Paul Convery stated, The safety of our residents must be our top priority, and these measures will help ensure that licensed premises operate responsibly.

After thorough discussion, the committee voted in favour of implementing the new safety measures, with the understanding that the council would provide support to smaller businesses to help them comply with the new requirements.

Other Discussions

Other topics discussed included minor amendments to existing licensing policies and the approval of several temporary event notices. These items were considered routine and did not generate significant debate.