Gambling Licences
The Gambling Act 2005 introduces wholesale changes in how gambling will be licensed in Great Britain. It transfers the responsibility for the licensing of gaming premises from the Magistrates to local authorities, and introduces for the first time, a unified regulator for gambling, the Gambling Commission.
Licences
Under the new Act three types of licences are required. These are:
- An operator licence, which is concerned with the management and conduct of gambling;
- A personal licence, for persons with key operational functions connected with the gambling business;
- A premises licence, for the property where the gambling takes place.
Local Authorities will be responsible for issuing premises licences for casinos, bingo halls, betting offices, adult gaming centres and family entertainment centres. They will also issue permits for gaming machines in pubs, clubs and other alcohol licensed premises.
A premises licence gives permission for a building or part of a building to be used for gambling activities. Particular conditions maybe attached to a premises licence, for instance opening hours and security measures.
The Gambling Commission will be in charge of issuing and regulating operator's licences and personal licences and the licensing of on-line gambling.
Licensing Objectives
Any decisions taken by bodies will be made in accordance with the three licensing objectives set out by the Act, which are:
- Preventing gambling being a source of crime and disorder;
- Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way;
- Protecting children and the vulnerable from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
Statement of Licensing Policy
The Local Authority has produced a Statement of Licensing Policy that sets out how they intend to exercise their new functions. It has been published after consultation with various bodies and agencies including the town and parish councils, the police and local business and resident associations.
The Statement contains details regarding making comments (known as representations) about licence applications, or applying for the review of an existing licence, how applicants will be expected to meet the licensing objectives and full details of who the Local Authority consulted with.
A copy is also available to read at the Civic Centre and Central Library.
Dartford Borough Council will start to process and issue premises licences and permits from 30 April 2007. The Gambling Act 2005 is expected to come fully into effect in September 2007.
