08 February 2012Introduction
What and who is the local Gambling Authority
What is the Statement of Gambling Policy
How will I know when a licence is being applied for or reviewed?
Can I make a representation?
How do I make a representation?
What if I don't agree with the decision
Further information
Keeping gambling crime free, fair and open, protecting children and vulnerable adults
This information has been prepared by Sevenoaks District Council to help you understand the new Gambling Act 2005 and the role that it will now have in determining and regulating the gambling industry in your local area.
Background
The new Gambling Act came into force on 1st September 2007.
It replaces most of the previous law about gambling in Great Britain and aims to put in place an improved, more comprehensive structure of gambling regulation.
It modernises 40-year-old gambling laws, ready to face the challenges of today and the future, while including a number of important protections.
The new Gambling Act 2005 has three objectives:
Local Authorities and the new act
Your gambling licensing authority is located within your local authority. Local Authorities will now issue premises licences for the following:
They will issue permits for
NB Category D machines are those that can be used by children and have the lowest level of stakes and prizes
Select the link to see a list of the categories for gaming machines
They will register and issue:
The new Gambling Act requires that all local authorities prepare, consult and publish a Statement of Gambling Policy which sets out the principles of how the authority will manage the licensing of local gambling activities over the next three years
Your local authority has prepared and consulted on The Policy Statement which is available on this website.
Local Residents
Local residents will be able to make representations to their local authority when an application is made to obtain a premises licence in their local area. Residents may also make representations when an existing licence is varied or being reviewed.
Representations can only be made by interested parties or a responsible authority. Local residents will generally meet the description of an interested party.
An interested party is a person who:
Responsible authorities include those who are responsible for the well being of children and vulnerable people, and other public bodies such as the police.
A representation is a written response to an application which outlines concerns that a local resident has about a particular application or existing licence. Representations must relate to the;
How will I know when a licence is being applied for or reviewed?
Licence applicants will be required to advertise their intention to apply for a licence for a set period, such as 28 days. They must do so on, or close to, the site itself and probably within a local publication, such as the local newspaper. Notices may also be placed in a main public building, such as the local library.
The notice will tell you where to obtain further details, who in the local authority you should contact and the date by which your letter must be received.
You can also view applications through this website on the Public register and licensing application tracker page.
How do I make a representation?
To make a representation, you will need to write to your local council about your concerns regarding a particular application or existing licence. You will need to meet the criteria of an ‘interested party’ or a ‘responsible authority’ and your concerns must be relevant.
The views you express in your representation must be relevant to the licence application and must relate to
if they are to be taken into account. Copies of these documents can be obtained from the Gambling Commission’s and this local authority’s websites.
Your concerns should not be about gambling generally, nor should they be about planning issues, which should be addressed to the planning officer in the local authority, or anti-social behaviour issues, which should be reported to the police. You may ask a representative to write on your behalf.
It the local authority agrees that you meet the description of an interested party and that your concerns are relevant, you will be invited to a formal hearing. The applicant and other people who have made representations may also attend this hearing, at which the application is discussed. You may ask a representative to speak on your behalf. If, however, you decide that you want to withdraw your representations, or that you are happy for the local authority to determine the application without a hearing, you may give your consent for the hearing to be dispensed with. Your local authority may also endeavour to involve you in informal discussions to see if your concerns can be addressed prior to any hearing. But, subject to your representation being relevant, you will always have the right to a hearing, should you request it.
The local authority will advise you of the outcome of the application. If a licence is to be granted, they will also advise you of the conditions under which gambling may take place.
What if I don’t agree with the decision ?
Appeals against decisions made by local authorities in England and Wales are made to the Magistrates’ Court in England.
What if I have concerns about a gambling premises once it has been issued with a licence?
A local authority may review a licence at any time. It might do this if local people have expressed relevant and serious concerns about a premises to the local authority. Contact your local authority licensing section directly, and they will be able to inform you about their procedure for registering your concerns.
Will my local authority be able to stop casinos from operating in my area ?
A local authority will be able to pass a resolution prohibiting the issue of any further licences for casinos in their local area. This will not, however, prevent any existing casinos from continuing to operate.
For further information
Contact the licensing team
Department for Culture Media and Sport
Gambling Commission
