A Premises Licence application is required in respect of premises providing gambling facilities to operate as a casino, bingo, adult gaming centre, betting premises (track), betting premises (other) and family entertainment centre.
The applicant must hold an operating licence (this is dealt with by the Gambling Commission) and must have the right to occupy the premises.
A notice of the application must be placed in the local newspaper circulating in the Board's area on at least one occasion during the period of 10 working days after the date of application is lodged with the Board and secondly a site notice must be displayed on the premises from the date the application is lodged for a period of 28 days.
The application may be dealt with under delegated powers dependant on whether or not any representations/objections have been made.
A gaming machine licence is required in respect of premises providing amusements with prizes by way of machines.
The most common applications of gaming machines are those commonly referred to as 'fruit machines' and 'one-armed bandits' which make small payments. Typically these machines would be found in pubs and clubs
Premises with an alcohol licence ("on sales" only) have an automatic right to use up to two gaming machines of either category C or D. To activate this right, the licence holder must write to the Licensing Board to give notice of the intent to use the automatic right and pay a processing fee of £50.
Members Clubs and miner's welfare institutes may apply for a Club Gaming Permit which allows up to three gaming machines of Category B, C or D and also allows certain games of chance.
Members Clubs, miner's welfare institutes and commercial clubs may apply for a club machine permit which authorises the use of up to three gaming machines which can be Category B, C or D.
The applicant must lodge a copy of the application with the Chief Constable and the Gambling Commission and they have a period of 28 days from the date of application to object. In considering the application, the Licensing Board will have regard to guidance issued by the Commission and to the licensing objectives.
West Dunbartonshire Licensing Board gives notice in terms of the Gambling Act 2005 (Licensing Authority Policy Statement) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 that it is the intention of the Board to publish a revised Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005, Section 349. The revised Statement will come into effect on 31 January 2022.