Agenda item

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 London Borough of Havering pursuant to s. 349.

 

 

5.         Decision

 

That, after deliberation, the Sub-Committee expressed itself satisfied with the provisions and precautions taken by the applicant in addressing the licensing objectives and that, as no objections had been received, it would grant the application as requested. .

 

 

6.         Right of Appeal

 

Any party to the decision or anyone who has made a relevant representation [including a responsible authority or interested party] in relation to the application may appeal to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of notification of the decision. On appeal, the Magistrates’ Court may:

        

1.      dismiss the appeal; or

2.      substitute the decision for another decision which could have been made by the Sub Committee; or

3.      remit the case to the Sub Committee to dispose of it in accordance with the direction of the Court; and

4.      make an order for costs as it sees fit.

 

 

 

 

 

Grant Söderberg

Clerk to the Licensing Sub-committee

 

 

 

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 the London Borough of Havering pursuant to s. 349.

 

 

5.         Decision

 

That, after deliberation, the Sub-Committee expressed itself satisfied with the provisions and precautions taken by the applicant in addressing the licensing objectives and that, as no objections had been received, it would grant the application as requested. .