Gambling license reminder to businesses
Released: 28 June 2007
Businesses that offer gambling in Wolverhampton are reminded that they must apply to the council for a premises licence by 30 July. This is necessary if businesses wish to continue operating once the new Gambling Act comes into force on 1 September.
Under the act, nearly all businesses offering gambling must have a new premises licence including arcades, betting shops and bingo clubs. They will also need to have an operating licence from the Gambling Commission. Both these licences are applied for separately and businesses need not wait for one application to be decided before submitting the other.
The licensing system forms part of the new regulatory regime introduced by the Gambling Act. It brings into power the tough new regulator the Gambling Commission who will take action against operators who fail to comply with the act’s three key objectives to ensure that gambling is fair, crime free and that children and vulnerable people are be protected. Local licensing authorities, such as Wolverhampton City Council, will also have the power to inspect and take action against premises in their area that fail to comply with the rules.
The Gambling Act also makes it illegal to have fruit machines on premises such as fish and chips shops, kebab shops and mini-cab offices where children have been able to play these machines without proper supervision. Gaming machines will be phased out from these premises over the next two years as their current permits expire.
Councillor Bishan Dass, chairman of Wolverhampton City Council’s licensing committee, said: “Local authorities have a much greater role under the new gambling rules. Everyone that runs a business offering gambling is affected by the changes in the gambling laws. My message to all gambling operators is that if you don't apply for your premises licence by 30 July you will be making life much harder for yourself. There will be no guarantee that you will be licensed to run your business from 1 September 2007 and you may even have to close while you reapply as a new business.”
Issued by the press office.
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