Gambling & Gaming

Premises where gambling activities are provided must be authorised by a premises licence. 

Types of premises licence

We issue five different categories of premises licence:

• adult gaming centres - amusement arcades making gaming machines available for use, accessible by over-18s only
• betting (at tracks) - areas at racecourses and sports grounds, at which licensed bookmakers will be taking bets on a race or sporting event happening at that location
• betting (at other premises) - premises away from tracks and sports grounds, such as a high street shop, at which a licensed bookmaker will be taking bets on races and sporting events happening elsewhere
• bingo - premises at which games of commercial prize bingo are regularly played
• family entertainment centres - amusement arcade premises making gaming machines available for use, open to persons of all ages.

Each type of licence allows a particular combination of gambling activities, including the right to make a certain number of gaming machines available for use. With the exception of betting (track) licences, premises licences may only be granted to persons or organisations that hold an appropriate operating licence, issued by the Gambling Commission.

Casinos

There are currently no licensed casino premises in Kingston and we are not among the areas authorised by the Government to issue new casino licences.

How to apply

The application process differs slightly for each type of application, and full details are given in the guidance notes attached to the application forms. An applicant will always be required to give notice of their application to several 'responsible authorities' (statutory bodies including the police and the Gambling Commission) and you must ensure that you pay the correct application fee. Cheques should be made payable to Kingston Council or you can pay over the telephone with a credit or dedit card by calling 0208 547 5080.

Advertisement of application

For applications for new licences or variations of existing licences, applicants will also be required to advertise the application, both at the premises and in a local newspaper, to alert local residents and businesses.

Consultation

From the day an application is made, there is a 28-day consultation period during which any representations in respect of the application may be made by responsible authorities or interested parties, including local residents and businesses. Representations may support or oppose the application.

We will usually be able to confirm the grant or refusal of an application shortly after the end of this the consultation period. However, if representations have been received, or if it is intended to exclude default conditions or attach additional conditions, the application will be referred to a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing to be decided.

Responsible Authorities

Gambling Act applications, must be served on the Responsible Authorities. These bodies, together with members of the public, can make a representation/objection to your application.

Conditions

Any licence granted will automatically be subject to a number of standard mandatory conditions, depending upon the type of licence. These conditions are set out in Regulations made by the Secretary of State. Licences may also be subject to a default condition restricting opening hours, unless the applicant requested that this was excluded. We can also impose further conditions, in response to any specific concerns.

Getting involved 

Applications for new premises licences or variations to existing premises licences are open for a period of public consultation. We will write to persons within the vicinity (defined within our Statement of Policy) and provide the details of the application. You will then have the opportunity to make a representation to the application (this can be in favour of the application or in objection to the application). If you wish to make a representation in objection to the application, you must ensure that your representation relates directly to one or more of the Licensing Objectives. Objections based on moral objections to gambling, planning concerns or issues such as parking cannot be accepted.

Current applications

When an application is received and open for public consultaiton, it will be detailed below. Please note that application details are removed once the consultation period is complete.

When objections are received

When objections are received, a hearing will be held to determine the outcome of the application. You will be invited to attend the hearing to verbally support your views. Hearings are held on our premises during the day and are attended by 3 elected members of the Council known as a Sub Committee. You may choose to be supported at the hearing by a representative who may be your local ward councillor, legal representative or anyone who will speak on your behalf.

Issuing your licence

Once a decision has been made, we aim to issue your licence with 10 working days.

Reviews

The Gambling Act 2005 provides that a responsible authority or an interested party may make an application to review a premises licence. You will need to submit an application form to the Licensing Authority and state the reasons why a review is being requested, together with any supporting information and documents. 

The Gambling Commission and Licensing Authorities have statutory responsibilities in respect of gambling premises within their area. While the regulatory bodies will use their powers to ensure that licensed premises operate in accordance with the provisions of the law and with any conditions attached to their licence(s), there may be occasions when concerns exist over the operation of a premises which cannot be resolved either through mediation or enforcement. In those situations, a responsible authority or an interested party may request that a licence is reviewed.

Fees

Details of the fees payable are available on our fees page. In addition to the application fee for a new or variation of existing licence, an annual fee is payable for all premises licences issued under the Gambling Act in order to keep the licence active. 

Public Register

The Gambling Commission public register holds the details of all operating licence holders, personal licence holders and premises licences.