Decision details

PREMISES

Goose

143 South Street

Romford

RM1 1PL

APPLICANT

Stonegate Pub Company LTD 

Porter Tun house

500 Capability Green

Luton

LU1 3LS

1.    Details of requested variation

The application was to vary the extant licensed premises gaming machine permit, to increase the number of category C machines available for use from six to seven.

The application was made in accordance with the provisions of the Act and in accordance with Havering’s statement of gambling policy. 

2.         Details of Representations

Valid representations should address at least one of the following three licensing objectives:

• Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime

• Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way

• Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling

There were no representations either from interested parties or from a responsible authority.

The Gambling Act 2005 licensing objectives are:-

(a) Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime,

(b) Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way, and

(c) Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

3.            Determination of Application

Consequent upon the hearing held on 24 September 2018, the Sub-Committee’s decision regarding the application for a variation for the Goose was as set out below, for the reasons stated:

The Sub-Committee was obliged to determine the application with a view to promoting the licensing objectives.

4.            Decision

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for a variation to the licensed premises’ Gaming Machine Permit made by Stonegate Pub Company LTD in relation to the Goose.  The application was for an additional Category C gaming machine, to bring the full complement of Category C machines from six to seven and that the additional machine would be a replacement of the quiz machine (SWP machine). 

The Sub-Committee reminded itself that it must have regard to the Licensing Objectives, Guidance issued by the Gambling Commission under s. 25 of the Gambling Act 2005, and the Council’s Statement of Gambling Policy.

The Sub-Committee considered the representations and the written report of the Council’s Licensing Officer and heard representations made by the applicants.

The Sub-Committee were confident that the Licensing objectives below would be upheld:

(a) Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime,

(b) Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way, and

(c) Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

The Sub-Committee noted in particular that Challenge 25 would be in operation; that no children under 18 would be allowed to use the gaming machines and there would be constant monitoring of the machines via CCTV or bar staff or floor managers.  The Sub-Committee further noted that there had been no comment received from the Police.

The Sub-Committee was of the view that the variation to the permit should be granted.

Appeal

Any party to the decision may appeal to the Magistrates Court within 21 days of notification of the decision. On appeal, the Magistrates Court may make an order for costs as it sees fit.