Premises Licences

Under the Gambling Act 2005, Premises Licences allow premises to be used as:  

• adult gaming centres
• betting shops
• tracks 
• bingo premises
• family entertainment centres.

An application is subject to a 28 day consultation period where the application must be advertised at the premises and in the local press. The application must also be copied to the following Responsible Authorities:        

• Licensing authority
• Police Licensing Unit  
• Gambling Commission   
• Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service     
• Environmental Health  
• Planning Authority    
• Children’s Services.

The authority must consider any representations received during this period from responsible authorities or interested parties. An interested party is a person who:        

• lives sufficiently close to the premises to be likely to be affected by the authorised activities
• has business interests that might be affected by the authorised activities       
• represents persons who satisfy paragraph one or two.

We are required to periodically publish a Statement of Gambling Policy. View the current Gambling act 2005 - Section 349, Statements of Licensing Principles (PDF, 597KB, 22 pages).

The Gambling Act 2005 provides that any responsible authority or interested party may make application for the review of a gambling premises licence if they are affected by the activities or the objectives are being compromised.

A review application is subject to a 28 day consultation period during which comments may be made. The licensing authority will hold a hearing to decide what action should be taken.

Anyone considering making application for a review is strongly advised to take appropriate professional legal advice and contact the Licensing Department before doing so.

If you need more help, contact the Licensing Department by phone or email licensing@iow.gov.uk.