A new timetable for applications for gambling premises has been announced by UK Minister for Sports Richard Caborn. Local authorities, now to be responsible for the licensing, will have three months less to undertake the process, as the deadline for applications remains July 2007 but the start date has been delayed from January to April. The Gambling Act 2005 gives licensing authorities new powers to issue premises licences or resolve not to issue further casino premises in their area.

Each Licensing Authority must produce a Statement of Licensing Policy that will remain in force for three years. Premises licences will be issued for casinos, Betting Offices and Racetracks, Bingo Clubs, Adult Gaming Centres and Family Entertainment Centres. Licensing Authorities must also issue permits for gaming machines in members’ clubs and licensed premises, gaming in members’ clubs, prize gaming and Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centres. Once issued, the Authority will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing premises licences and permits.

The new gaming laws are scheduled to come into force in September 2007 although some local authorities had asked for a delay until April 2008 in order to give them time to process all the applications including the 28-day public hearings. They are also unhappy that there are as yet no guidelines for the application process, consultation and possible appeals, which would allow them to calculate the time and resources entailed. They are concerned that the transition period has now been reduced and that, as happened when liquor licences could be extended to 24 hours, councils will run out of time to process the applications.

According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the delayed start is to give councils more time to prepare. It suggests existing operators be allowed to continue next September, even if the Authority had yet to consider the application. (E-09.15.06)

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