Gambling and betting licences
The Gambling Act 2005 came into effect on 1st September 2007. The Council now has 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
- 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.
Since 1 September 2007 all premises licences are 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.
Application forms for gaming and betting
(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)
Making an application
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.
Or faxed to: 020 8753 3911
For advice on what the requirements are to apply for a licence, permit, notification or notice please contact the licensing team on 020 8753 1081 or submit your enquiry via our online form.
Further guidance
Further guidance and information has been provided by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS):
DCMS Transitional Arrangements Guidance (pdf)
Guidance for Arcades Leaflet (pdf)
Guidance for Betting Premises Leaflet (pdf)
Related websites
Section 34 - Gaming Act 1968 - a copy of the Act is available on the Office of Public Sector Information website
http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/Gambling_racing/gambling_act_2005/
Page last updated: 18/08/2010
