Issue - meetings

The Committee reviewed the Council’s Statement of Gambling Policy, following approval by the Cabinet to consult on an updated version.

Members noted that the changes were minor and mainly reflected updated legislation. A discussion took place on one aspect within the Policy in relation to Gambling airside at Heathrow Airport which was outside the remit of the Licensing Act or control of the Council and Members considered that this current loophole should be closed by HM Government.

On a related matter, PC Butler from the Metropolitan Police updated Members on work at Heathrow Airport in relation to alcohol licensing.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee support the revisions to the Statement of Gambling Policy.

The Committee received an update from the Police on Operation Nebula which ran during the summer of 2018, heralding a unique joint operation with the Council’s Trading Standards Team to covertly test purchase all 269 off-licenses across the Borough for the under-age selling of alcohol.

It was noted that 32 premises had failed the test and were issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice. A follow-up visit had then taken place at all 32 premises, where only 1 failed a second time which the Police would consider for further investigation. The Police commented that this was the first operation of its kind in London, targeting all premises in a borough.

Members congratulated the Police and Trading Standards, but noted that despite the success, there were still a minimum of 12% of premises potentially selling alcohol to under-age children. The Committee noted that larger establishments, such as supermarkets, had not been visited as part of the operation, with the Police stating that this was in part due to their higher level of staff training and checks. However, Members sought a reassurance that larger premises would not be overlooked going forward.