Premise Licence (Gambling Act 2005)
Pages in Premise Licence (Gambling Act 2005)
- 1. You are here: Premise Licence (Gambling Act 2005)
- 2. What you need to apply
- 3. Apply for a Premises Licence (Gambling Act 2005)
All gambling activities (except the National Lottery and spread betting) are regulated by the Gambling Act 2005. Gambling is defined in the Act as either gaming, betting or taking part in a lottery. The type of activities covered by the act includes:
- Betting
- Bingo
- Casino gaming
- Prize gaming
- Use of gaming machines
- Lotteries, raffles
As the Licensing Authority we are responsible for licensing premises where gambling takes place, and provide authorisations to gamble in premises where gambling is not the main activity (for example gaming machines in pubs). The Gambling Commission are responsible for licensing operators and individuals involved in providing gambling and betting facilities.
About a Premises licence
Any premises where gambling facilities are provided must have a premises licence, issued under the Gambling Act 2005. A Premises Licence is a permanent licence, granted in respect of a specific location, which authorises the licence holder to carry on licensable activities. As well as the main gambling activity, a premises licence may also allow the use of certain categories of gaming machines.
Under the Gambling Act 2005 we are the licensing authority for:
- Betting shops: Premises such as high street shops, at which a licensed bookmaker will take bets on races and sporting events happening elsewhere
- Betting at tracks: Areas at racecourses and other premises where a race or other sporting event takes place (e.g. a venue staging a boxing match), at which licensed bookmakers will be taking bets on a race or sporting event happening at that location
- Bingo halls: Premises at which games of commercial prize bingo are regularly played
- Casinos: Premises where people can participate in one or more casino games. Casinos licensed under the previous legislation are able to continue to operate. New casino licences are restricted under the Gambling Act 2005. This authority has resolved not to issue new casino premises licences. Neither are there any casinos in the borough with preserved entitlement.
- Adult gaming centres: Amusement arcade premises making gaming machines available for use by over-18s only
- Family entertainment centres: Amusement arcade premises making gaming machine available for use by persons of all ages
Except in the case of betting at tracks, a premises licence cannot allow the use of premises for more than one of the activities listed above. Only one licence can be held.
Once a licence is granted a premises licence will be valid for the life of the business, or until it is surrendered or revoked. A licence holder can apply to vary the terms and conditions of the licence at any time. Where a premises creates problems which impact on any of the three licensing objectives, a licence can be called in for review by interested parties or responsible authorities.
An annual fee is payable on the anniversary of the grant of the licence. Unless specific alternative arrangements have been made the council will send invoices out for the fee.