Agenda and minutes

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It was confirmed that all items would be considered in public.

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Introduction by Licensing Officer:

Steven Dormer, Licensing Officer at London Borough of Hillingdon, introduced the report, photographs and addendum relating to a variation application for a gaming machine permit in respect of Botwell Inn, 25-29 Coldharbour Lane, Hayes UB3 3EB. The application was to increase the number gaming machines on site from 5 to 7 category C machines.

The Sub-Committee was informed that the two proposed new machines were to be positioned in view of the bar staff. However, three of the existing machines on site were positioned in an area that was not viewable by bar staff, and concerns remained over the staff’s ability to sufficiently supervise an increased number of machines. 

The Sub-Committee were reminded to have due consideration to the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005, the Relevant Code of Practice, guidance issued by the Commission, and Hillingdon’s Licensing Authority Statement of Licensing Policy, as well as the licensing objectives for gambling purposes, which were:

·         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; and

·         Protecting children and other vulnerable persons form being harmed or exploited by gambling.

Members were advised that there was no intelligence to suggest that the use of gaming machines at the site was a source of organised crime, though there was currently a BetWatch scheme in the Hayes area which aimed to reduce antisocial behaviour and crime linked to betting premises. While the Botwell Inn was not a betting premises, the increased number of machines could have the potential to attract similar problems to those experienced by betting shops in the vicinity.

It was confirmed that the Botwell Inn was not part of the BetWatch scheme, as this was aimed at betting premises. The committee was advised that there were no records of Member Enquiries or antisocial behaviour related to the site.

Representation by Applicant/Licence Holder

The applicant advised that the request for an increased number of gaming machines was to meet demand due to increased patronage at the site following the redevelopment of the front and rear garden areas. However, the use of the machines was ancillary to the main trade, namely the provision of food and beverages.

The two proposed new machines would be sited in an area previously used for machines, but that was currently empty following an internal relocation of two of the existing five machines . Currently, all machines were situated in areas of good visibility for bar staff or floor staff and were monitored regularly. Staff numbers had been increased to meet the increased number of customers, and all staff members were trained on how to identify and deal with illegal behaviour within the pub.

Regarding the reference to BetWatch, the Sub-Committee was informed that the Botwell Inn was a member of PubWatch. The site maintained a strong challenge 21 policy, and all machines were labelled with age restriction notices.

Representation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.