Agenda and minutes

Apologises for absence were received from Councillor David Payne.

None.

It was confirmed the meeting would be held in Part 1.

None.

173 High Street, Uxbridge.

This was an application for the grant of a new betting premises licence made by Ladbrokes Betting & Gaming Limited. The premises to which the application relates was 173 High Street, Uxbridge.

The Chairman opened the meeting and explained the procedure to be followed. He indicated that there was a discretion for the Chairman to lead an open discussion on the issues following each party’s representations.

Sharon Garner represented the London Borough of Hillingdon Licensing Service and introduced the report which provided the Sub-Committee with details of the application.

The Applicant was represented by its solicitor, Julie Palmer of Trethowans LLP at the hearing. The Applicant’s Regional Licensing Manager, Mr Lewis Dodd was also present. Mrs Palmer spoke in support of the application submitted and she asked the Committee to grant the licence.

The London Borough of Hillingdon in its capacity as Responsible Authority was represented Counsel Mr Leo Charalambides of Francis Taylor Buildings. Nigel Dicker, Deputy Director, Public Safety & Environment, was also in attendance. Mr Charalambides invited the committee to refuse the application. He explained that in his view there was no rebuttable presumption that the licence should be granted.

PC Ian Wares and Sergeant Nick Davies of the Metropolitan Police Service were present to explain the representations that the Police had made in response to the application.

Ward Councillor Judith Copper was present and spoke against the application.

Mr Crane, representing Uxbridge Forward, a local business forum, attended to speak on behalf of local businesses.

Mr Craddock, the proprietor of Uxbridge Station flower stall opposite the Premises attended to object to the application.

THE DECISION:

The Sub-Committee had considered all the relevant evidence and representations made available to it and in doing so had taken into account the provisions of the Gambling Act 2005, the Guidance issued by the Secretary of State pursuant to the Act, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and the Licensing objectives.

The Sub-Committee had unanimously decided to refuse the application for the following reasons:

1. The Premises was adjacent to a major transport hub used by school children. The evidence showed that other gambling establishments in the area encountered problems with underage people attempting to use licensed premises. It was therefore not sensible to compound these problems with a further gambling establishment particularly in this area which was saturated by school children at particular times. The Committee were clear that it was

important that children on their way to school feel safe and were not put at risk from anti-social behaviour and crime that was likely to arise from having a gambling establishment in this location.

2. The Premises was located close to facilities for vulnerable adults and young people. Having a gambling establishment close to these facilities would not be a good idea and could undermine the valuable work being done to assist these people.

3. The Committee were mindful that existing gambling premises in the area were clearly having problems with crime and disorder. Therefore it would not be sensible  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.