Make a representation about a gambling application
Members of the public and responsible authorities are able to make representations to a gambling licence being granted.
What type of gambling applications can a representation be made for?
Under the Gambling Act 2005, representations may be made regarding applications for:
- a new premises licence
- a variation of an existing premises licence
Who can make a representation?
Responsible authorities:
- Police
- Fire & Rescue
- Local Planning Authority
- Noise Control - Local Authority
- HM Revenue & Customs
- Gambling Commission
- Local Safeguarding Children's Board
- Licensing Authority
Interested parties:
- a person that lives sufficiently close to the premises to be likely to be affected by the authorised activities.
- a person that has business interests that might be affected by the authorised activities
- a person who represents persons in either of the two above groups
How do I make a representation?
The statutory representation period begins on the day a valid application is received by the Licensing Authority and lasts for 28 days. During this time there must be at least one notice published in a local newspaper and a notice displayed on site for 28 days. The application will also appear on the Public Register, which can be accessed from this website.
Any representations must be made in writing and received during the representation period. The Licensing Authority must then determine whether or not the representation is admissible.
The only representations that are likely to be relevant are those that relate to the licensing objectives, or that raise issues under the licensing policy statement or the Gambling Commissions guidance/code of practice.
Representations may not be made anonymously. Any representations that are received will be included in a report to the hearings panel. This report will be a public document, and will be circulated to the parties involved prior to the hearing.
Any petitions received will be treated as one representation from the person sending it in, supported by the other signatories. Petitions will not be treated as individual representations from everyone who has signed.
A hearing must then be held to determine the outcome of the application. Leicester City Council follows the same procedure for hearings under the Gambling Act 2005 as for hearings under the Licensing Act 2003. The Code of Practice for Hearings sets out that procedure.
Where can I submit a representation?
Representations may be made by:
- Email: [email protected]
- Post: Licensing Authority, Leicester City Council, City Hall, 115 Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1FZ
- By hand: Customer Services Centre, 91 Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 6FB