08 October 2008Licence to deal in game
The main Act of Parliament controlling Game Dealers is the Game Act 1831. Other legislation such as the Game Licences Act 1860, Night Poaching Acts 1828 and 1844 also control and legislate for the protection of animals and the ways in which animals may be legally handled.
This legislation may be old and even archaic in modern times but nevertheless it still stipulates a statutory licensing control over 'game' activities.
The definition of 'game' varies in different legislation. The Game Act 1831 defines game as hares, pheasants, partridges, grouse, heath or moor game and black game and the Game Licences Act 1860 extended the definition of Game to include woodcock, snipe, rabbit and deer. The sale of venison is also covered by separate legislation under the Deer Act 1991 (England and Wales) and the Deer (Scotland) Act 1959
Dealers in game (either buying and selling wholesale or retail) MUST hold two forms of annual licence as follows:-
1. A Sevenoaks District Council licence and
2. An Excise licence.
Council licences are obtained from the local authority (at a cost of £4.00) and Excise licences are obtained from the post office (also £4.00) and it is a condition of issue that a council licence be produced at the time of application.
Council Licences expire on 31st July each year.
The Game Act 1831 and Game Licences Act 1860 are available from Her Majesty's Stationary Office
Offences
Click here for Game Dealers Licensing Offences (
PDF 65K file details) as careful note should be taken of the possible offences which the holder of a Local Authority licence may commit in contravention of the Game Act.
Application for a Licence to Deal in Game
If you wish to apply for a game dealers licence please complete the Application for a licence to deal in Game ( PDF 74K file details)and return it with the fee of £4.00 payable to 'Sevenoaks District Council'.
For further information please contact
Commercial Team
Environmental Health
Community Services Department
Sevenoaks District Council
Argyle Road
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN13 1GP
phone: 01732 227000
fax: 01732 742339
e mail: environmental.health@sevenoaks.gov.uk
