Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Licensing and Registration on an application received for the grant of a new Betting Premises Licence in respect of 5 Windsor Court, Morley LS27 9BG. The application has been submitted by William Hill Organisation Limited

(Report attached)

Under the Gambling Act 2005 the application for a new betting premises licence was heard for William Hill Organisation Ltd at Unit 5, Windsor Court, Morley.

The applicant told the sub-committee that they have 2,500 betting shops throughout the country with most of these located in busy town and city centres. The objection raised was in relation to the protection of children from harm based upon children walking past these types of facility. The company have a policy of not allowing anyone in school uniform into the premises even if they could prove they were over 18 years of age, operated appropriate proof of age scheme ‘Think 21’ and did not have single manning of betting shop after lunchtime. If a mistake was made allowing someone under age into the premises not only would this be an offence but would put all shops in the group at risk under the operating licence issued by the Gambling Commission.

The applicant referred to supplementary information which demonstrated that the primary use of the facility was betting rather than the provision of gaming machines.

Councillors Varley, Elliott and Leadley were in attendance at the hearing. Councillors Varley and Elliot addressed the sub-committee stating that documentation that they had received addressed some of their concerns, but they were concerned that there was already an existing premises in the Morley Town Centre, and there did not appear to be need for further betting premises. They further noted that planning permission had recently been refused and that there was an appeal pending against that decision. The objectors were concerned about the impact on the appeal should this licence be granted.

The committee were given legal advice under section 153 and section 210 of the Gambling Act 2005.

In answer to a question from the committee, the objectors confirmed that they were not aware of any problems with the existing William Hill premises in Morley Town Centre.

RESOLVED- The committee carefully considered the application and the objection. They fully understood and respected the concerns raised by the interested parties. Having considered the information provided by the applicant, the committee could see no reason why granting the application would be likely to impact on the licensing objective of protecting children and the vulnerable. The committee could not and did not take into account issues of demand and planning but noted that the premises would need planning permission in addition to licensing consent to operate and that their decision today would not constrain any further planning decision. On that basis the committee resolved to grant the licence as applied for.