Gambling and betting licences
Gambling Act 2005
The Gambling Act 2005 comes into effect on 1st September 2007. The Council, as Licensing Authority, will have a number of new regulatory functions in relation to gambling. These include issuing Premises Licences for bingo halls, betting offices, adult gaming centres and licensed family entertainment centres (arcades); issuing Temporary Use Notices and Occasional Use Notices; issuing Permits for gaming and gaming machines in clubs, prize gaming, unlicensed family entertainment centres and gaming machines in alcohol licenced premises; and the registration of small society lotteries.
The Council has published a Statement of Gambling Policy, detailing how gambling will be regulated in the borough
» Statement of Gambling Principles (pdf)
Premises Licences
Current and new gambling premises operators must now apply to the Council for a premises licence. Operating licences and personal licences are issued by the Gambling Commission.
Prior to the full implementation of the new legislation there will be a transition period where existing operators must apply to the Council for a premises licence by 30th July 2007, in order to qualify for the right to continue to carry out current gambling operations.
From 1st September 2007 all premises licences will be subject to Mandatory and Default conditions that have been laid out in legislation and are summarised here:
» Gambling Act 2005 Mandatory and Default Conditions (pdf)
Fast-Track conversion applications may be made where an existing operator does not apply to vary the relevant Default conditions. There is no need to advertise the application and the Council cannot add additional conditions to the licence or remove any existing operating rights. Where the premises can comply with the relevant Mandatory Conditions and the correct documents are provided with the application, a licence will be issued. There is a reduced licence fee for Fast-Track applications.
Where an applicant wishes to vary the relevant Default Conditions, the application will be subject to a consultation period where representations in relation to the application may be made by Responsible Authorities or Interested Parties. The applicant musts give notice of the application to the Responsible Authorities and advertise the application with a site notice and a notice in a local newspaper. Where representations are received and not resolved, the application may be decided by a hearing. Additional conditions may be applied to the licence by the Licensing Authority.
Section 34 - Gaming Act 1968
More information on Section 34 - Gaming Act 1968 - A copy of the Act is available at www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/20030017.htm and further information is available at www.culture.gov.uk/alcohol_and_entertainment
Application forms (for new and existing operators)
Application for the renewal of a permit for the use of amusement with prizes for machines (for use by premises licenced to sell alcohol) (pdf)
Application for a premises licence (transitional conversion application) (pdf)
Application for a premises licence (transitional conversion application) (word)
Application for a premises licence transitional conversion application) (vessel) (pdf)
Application for a premises licence (transitional conversion application) (vessel) (word)
Application for a premises licence (standard form) (pdf)
Application for a premises licence (standard form) (word)
Application for a premises licence (vessel) (pdf)
Application for a premises licence (vessel) (word)
Application for a provisional statement (standard form) (pdf)
Application for a provisional statement (standards form) (word)
Notices of application
Notice of application for a premises licence for responsible authorities (form A) (pdf)
Notice of application for a premises licence for responsible authorities (form A) (word)
Notice of application for a premises licence for responsible authorities (form B) (pdf)
Notice of application for a premises licence for Responsible Authorities (form B) (word)
Notice of application for a premises licence for display or publishing (pdf)
Notice of application for a premises licence for display or publishing (word)
Notice of application for a provisional statement for responsible authority (form A) (pdf)
Notice of application for a provisional statement for responsible authority (form A) (word)
Notice of application for a provisional statement for responsible authority (form B) (pdf)
Notice of application for a provisional statement for responsible authority (form B) (word)
Notice of application for a provisional statement for advertisement (pdf)
Notice of application for a provisional statement for advertisement (word)
Licence fees
Licence Fees (pdf)
Other documents
Premises plans guidance for applicants (pdf)
Responsible authorities contact list (pdf)
Applications must be made with:
- Completed application form
- Correct Fee (cheques made payable to the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham)
- Plan of premises (see plans guidance)
- Copies of existing gambling permissions where relevant
Applications should be sent to:
The Licensing Team, Public Protection and Safety, 5th Floor, Town Hall Extension, King Street, London, W6 9JU.
Further guidance and information has been provided by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS):
DCMS Transitional Arrangements Guidance
Guidance for Betting Premises Leaflet
Permits
Existing operators of unlicensed Family Entertainment Centres (arcades offering category D gaming machines only) and holders of Prize Gaming Permits must apply for a permit by 31st July 2007 to qualify for conversion of their existing gambling permissions.
Application for the conversion or new grant/change of name of an unlicensed family entertainment centre permit (pdf)
Application for the conversion or new grant/change of name of an unlicensed family entertainment centre permit (word)
Application for the conversion or new grant/change of name of a prize gaming permit (pdf)
Application for the conversion or new grant/change of name of a prize gaming permit (word)
Related Websites
http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/Gambling_racing/gambling_act_2005/
http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/client/index.asp?contentld=1
For further information or to make a complaint contact the Licensing Team
By submitting a service request or enquiry electronically.
By phoning: 020 8753 1081
By Faxing: 020 8753 3911
By writing to: Public Protection & Safety, 5th Floor, Town Hall Extension, King Street, London, W6 9JU
| Opening hours: | 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday |
| Contact Centre | |
| Office: | 020 8753 1081 |
| Address: | Public Protection & Safety Division 5th floor Hammersmith Town Hall Extension King Street W6 9JU |
| Directions: | Ravenscourt Park (District Line). Turn left out of station and left into King Street |
| Accessibility: | There is a lift to the third floor |
| Link to map: |
 Click on the image to view a larger PDF of the map |
