Agenda, decisions and minutes

Application to vary a Gaming Machine Permit at the MOON & STARS, 99-103 South Street, Romford RM1 1NX

Gambling Act 2005

Notice of Decision

PREMISES

The Moon & Stars

99 - 103 South Street

Romford

RM1 1NX

1.            DETAILS OF APPLICATIONS

The application is made by J.D. Wetherspoon PLC.  The application is for a variation to a Gaming machine Permit under section 15 of Schedule 13 of the Gambling Act 2005. 

APPLICANTS

J.D. Wetherspoon PLC.,

Wetherspoon House

Reeds Crescent

Watford

WD24 4QL

2.         Details of requested variation(s)

The application is to vary the number of category C gaming machines from five to six.

3.         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 Sub-Committee enquired of the applicant’s representatives what provision was in place to address the licensing objectives, particularly in respect of protecting children and vulnerable persons from harm or exploitation and the prevention of gambling from being a source of crime and disorder.

The Area Manager for J.D Wetherspoon. responded on behalf of the applicant and informed the Sub-Committee that the premises had a strong management team and staff were regularly given refresher training to ensure that they discharged their responsibilities under the Gambling Act.

He stated that all the machines were in direct view of the bar and apart from the bar staff a member of the management team was on hand to provide support and to walk the floor to ensure there was no abuse of the provision.

Asked how his staff could identify vulnerable persons who had an addiction to gambling, he added that those patrons who spent a lot of time on the machines – or who made frequent visits to the cash office, managers and staff were trained and qualified to deal with any age or vulnerability issues which arose.

4.         Determination

Consequent upon the hearing held on 22 August 2013, the Sub-Committee’s decision regarding the application to vary the category C gaming machines licence is set out below, for the reasons shown:

The Sub-Committee is obliged to determine this application with a view to promoting the gambling objectives, which are:

·         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

In making its decision, the Sub-Committee also had regard to: -

a.      the Gambling Act 2005,

b.      in accordance with the codes of practise issued by the Commission under section 24,

c.      in accordance with the Guidance to Licensing Authorities issued by the Commission under s. 25,

d.      in accordance with the licensing policy published by the  ...  view the full decision text for item 1.

PREMISES

The Moon & Stars

99 - 103 South Street

Romford

RM1 1NX

DETAILS OF APPLICATIONS

The application was made by J.D. Wetherspoon PLC.  The application was for a variation to a Gaming Machine Permit under section 15 of Schedule 13 of the Gambling Act 2005. 

APPLICANTS

J.D. Wetherspoon PLC.,

Wetherspoon House

Reeds Crescent

Watford

WD24 4QL

2.         Details of requested variation(s)

The application was to vary the number of category C gaming machines from five to six.

3.         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 Sub-Committee enquired of the applicant’s representatives what provision was in place to address the licensing objectives, particularly in respect of protecting children and vulnerable persons from harm or exploitation and the prevention of gambling from being a source of crime and disorder.

The Area Manager for J.D Wetherspoon. responded on behalf of the applicant and informed the Sub-Committee that the premises had a strong management team and staff were regularly given refresher training to ensure that they discharged their responsibilities under the Gambling Act.

He stated that all the machines were in direct view of the bar and apart from the bar staff a member of the management team was on hand to provide support and to walk the floor to ensure there was no abuse of the provision.

Asked how his staff could identify vulnerable persons who had an addiction to gambling, he added that those patrons who spent a lot of time on the machines – or who made frequent visits to the cash office – would be noted by managers and staff and these were trained and qualified to deal with any age or vulnerability issues which might arise.

4.         Determination

Consequent upon the hearing held on 22 August 2013, the Sub-Committee’s decision regarding the application to vary the category C gaming machines licence is set out below, for the reasons shown:

The Sub-Committee was obliged to determine this application with a view to promoting the gambling objectives, which are:

·         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

In making its decision, the Sub-Committee also had regard to: -

a.     the Gambling Act 2005,

b.     in accordance with the codes of practise issued by the Commission under section 24,

c.      in accordance with the Guidance to Licensing Authorities issued by the Commission under s. 25,

d.     in accordance with the licensing policy published by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.