Registration of clubsN.I.
96.—(1) An application for registration of a club may be made by the chairman or secretary of the club and shall be made to a court of summary jurisdiction.
(2) The procedure for applications for the grant of registration of clubs is set out in Schedule 13.
(3) On an application for the grant of registration of a club, the court shall hear the objections, if any, made under Schedule 13.
(4) A court shall, subject to paragraph (5), refuse an application for the grant of registration of a club unless it is satisfied—
(a)that the procedure relating to the application set out in Schedule 13 has been complied with; and
(b)that the club—
(i)is a bona fide members' club; and
(ii)has, at least, 25 members; and
(c)that the premises of the club have been habitually used for the objects of the club, for[F1 not less than] 1 year; and
(d)that the premises of the club are not frequented wholly or mainly by persons under the age of 18; and
(e)that the club is not registered under the[F2 Registration of Clubs (Northern Ireland) Order 1996].
(5) A court may grant the registration of a club notwithstanding that the procedure relating to the application set out in Schedule 13 has not been complied with, if having regard to the circumstances, it is reasonable to do so.
(6) A court may refuse an application for the registration of a club if it is satisfied—
(a)that a previous registration in respect of the club has been cancelled or that an application for renewal of registration has been refused; or
[F2(b)that registration under that Order of 1996 or a certificate of registration under the Registration of Clubs (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 has been cancelled or that an application for renewal of such registration or certificate of registration has been refused.]
(7) Where the court refuses an application for the grant of registration of a club it shall specify in its order the reasons for its refusal.