The Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985

PART III N.I. GAMING

CHAPTER I N.I. GAMING ELSEWHERE THAN ON BINGO CLUB PREMISES

Gaming to which Chapter I applies N.I.

54.  This Chapter applies to all gaming other than—

(a) gaming on bingo club premises;

(b) gaming by means of a gaming machine;

(c) gaming at entertainments to which Article 126 applies;

(d) gaming which constitutes the provision of amusements with prizes as mentioned in Article 153 or 154.

Prohibition of certain gaming N.I.

55.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), no gaming shall take place where any one or more than one of the following conditions is fulfilled—

(a) the game involves playing or staking against a bank, whether the bank is held by one of the players or not;

(b) the nature of the game is such that the chances in the game are not equally favourable to all the players;

(c) the nature of the game is such that the chances in it lie between the player and some other person, or (if there are 2 or more players) lie wholly or partly between the players and some other person, and those chances are not as favourable to the player or players as they are to that other person.

(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to—

(a) gaming which takes place on a domestic occasion in premises used only as a private residence;

(b) any gaming where the gaming takes place in a hostel, hall of residence or similar establishment which is not carried on by way of a trade or business and the players consist exclusively or mainly of persons who are residents or inmates in that establishment.

No charge for taking part in gaming N.I.

56.—(1) Subject to Article 128 and the following provisions of this Article, no gaming to which this Chapter applies shall take place in circumstances where (apart from any stakes hazarded) a charge, in money or money's worth, is made in respect of that gaming.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), any admission charge shall, unless the contrary is proved, be taken to be a charge made as mentioned in paragraph (1).

(3) For the purposes of this Article a payment which constitutes payment of, or of a quarterly or half-yearly instalment of, an annual subscription to a club, or which constitutes payment of an entrance subscription for membership of a club, shall not be taken to be a charge made as mentioned in paragraph (1); but this paragraph shall not apply—

(a) in relation to a club, unless it is shown that the club is so constituted and conducted, in respect of membership and otherwise, as not to be of a temporary character; and

(b) in relation to an entrance subscription, unless it is shown that the payment is not made in respect of temporary membership of the club.

(4) Regulations may—

(a) require the officers of a club to make, and to retain during such period, such records and accounts with respect to gaming on the club premises as may be prescribed by the regulations;

(b) require the disclosure to club members, and the display in the club premises, of such accounts in such manner and at such intervals as may be prescribed by the regulations.

No levy on stakes or winnings N.I.

57.  Without prejudice to the generality of Article 56, no gaming to which this Chapter applies shall take place where a levy is charged on any of the stakes or on the winnings of any of the players, whether by way of direct payment or deduction, or by the exchange of tokens at a lower rate than the rate at which they were issued, or by any other means.

Prohibition of gaming in streets and public places N.I.

58.—(1) Any person taking part in gaming to which this Chapter applies in a street or public place shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) A constable may arrest without warrant any person found committing an offence under this Article and may seize and detain any books, cards, papers and other articles relating to gaming which may be found in his possession.

(3) In this Article “street” has the meaning assigned to it by Article 5(3)(a) and (b).

Offences relating to gaming N.I.

59.—(1) If any gaming to which this Chapter applies takes place in contravention of any of the provisions of Articles 55 to 57, every person concerned in the organisation or management of the gaming shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1) any person who takes part in procuring the assembly of the players shall be taken to be concerned in the organisation of the gaming.

(3) Without prejudice to paragraphs (1) and (2), where any gaming to which this Chapter applies takes place on any premises, or in any vessel or vehicle, in contravention of any of the provisions of Articles 55 to 57, any person who, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that the premises, vessel or vehicle would be used for gaming in contravention of any of those provisions,—

(a) allowed the premises, vessel or vehicle to be used for the purpose of the gaming, or

(b) let, or let on hire, the premises, vessel or vehicle, or otherwise made the premises, vessel or vehicle available, to any person by whom an offence under paragraph (1) is committed in connection with the gaming,

shall be guilty of an offence.

CHAPTER II N.I. GAMING ON BINGO CLUB PREMISES

N.I.

Gaming to which Chapter II applies N.I.

60.  This Chapter applies to—

(a) gaming by way of bingo,

(b) gaming to which Article 77 applies,

which takes place on bingo club premises and which is not gaming by means of a gaming machine.

Bingo club licences N.I.

Persons to whom bingo club licences may be granted N.I.

61.—(1) The person to whom a bingo club licence is granted shall be the owner of the bingo club proposed to be carried on under the bingo club licence.

(2) A bingo club licence may be granted to an individual, to a body corporate, or to 2 or more persons carrying on business in partnership.

(3) In considering the fitness of a person to hold a bingo club licence, a court shall have regard to the character, reputation and financial standing—

(a) of the applicant; and

(b) of any other person by whom the bingo club to which the application relates would be managed, or for whose benefit, if a licence were granted, gaming would be organised;

but may also take into consideration any other circumstances appearing to it to be relevant in determining whether the applicant is likely to be capable of, and diligent in, securing that the provisions of this Part and of any regulations made under it will be complied with, that gaming on the premises of the bingo club will be fairly and properly conducted, and that those premises will be conducted without disorder or disturbance.

(4) In considering the fitness of a body corporate to hold a bingo club licence, a court shall also have regard to the character, reputation and financial standing of the directors of the body corporate and any other persons who have executive control of it or who have a financial interest in it, as if the licence were, or were proposed to be, held by them jointly.

[F1 (4A) In considering the fitness of any applicant to hold a bingo club licence, a court shall have regard to—

(a) any failure of the applicant or of any other person mentioned in paragraph (3)(b); and

(b) where the applicant is a body corporate, any failure of any director of the applicant or of any other person mentioned in paragraph (4);

to pay any amount due from him or it by way of bingo duty.]

(5) Subject to paragraph (6), the following persons shall be disqualified for obtaining or holding a bingo club licence—

(a) a person under the age of 21;

(b) a person who does not ordinarily reside in Northern Ireland;

(c) a person who has ordinarily resided in Northern Ireland for less than 12 months before making an application for the grant of a bingo club licence;

[F2 (d) a body corporate other than a company registered under the Companies Act 2006 in Northern Ireland.]

(6) For the purposes of paragraph (5) any reference to a person, where that person is a body corporate, shall be construed as a reference to the directors of that body corporate.

(7) A bingo club licence purporting to be held by any person—

(a) who is disqualified by paragraph (5) for holding or obtaining such a licence, or

(b) in respect of whom there is in force a disqualification order under Article 74 or 79,

is void.

F1 1986 c. 41

F2 Art. 61(5)(d) substituted (1.10.2009) by Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 65(3) (with art. 10)

Premises for which bingo club licences may be granted N.I.

62.—(1) The premises in which bingo is authorised by a bingo club licence shall be the premises of a bingo club.

(2) Any bingo club premises for which there is in force a disqualification order under Article 74 or 79 shall not be premises for which a bingo club licence may be granted.

(3) In considering the suitability of premises for use as bingo club premises, a court shall have regard—

(a) to the lay-out, character and condition of the premises; and

(b) to the provision in the premises of adequate sanitary appliances and things used in connection with such appliances; and

(c) in the case of an application for the grant of a bingo club licence, to the location of the premises.

(4) Any bingo club licence purporting to be held by any person in respect of premises for which there is in force a disqualification order under Article 74 or 79 is void.

Grant of bingo club licences N.I.

63.—(1) An application for the grant of a bingo club licence shall be made to a court of summary jurisdiction.

(2) The procedure for applications for the grant of bingo club licences is set out in Schedule 9.

(3) On an application for the grant of a bingo club licence the court shall hear the objections, if any, made under Schedule 9.

(4) A court shall, subject to paragraphs (5) and (7), refuse an application for the grant of a bingo club licence unless it is satisfied—

(a) that the procedure relating to the application set out in Schedule 9 has been complied with; and

(b) that the applicant is a fit person to hold a bingo club licence; and

(c) that the applicant is not a person in respect of whom a disqualification order under Article 74 or 79 is in force; and

(d) that the premises are not premises in respect of which a disqualification order under Article 74 or 79 is in force; and

(e) F3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(f) that the applicant has not been refused the grant or renewal of a bingo club licence on the ground mentioned in sub-paragraph (b) or (i) within the immediately preceding 12 months; and

(g) that, having regard to the demand in the locality in which the premises to which the application relates are situated for gaming facilities afforded by bingo club premises, the number of such bingo club premises for the time being available (including any premises for which a licence is provisionally granted) to meet that demand is inadequate; and

(h) either—

(i) that there is in force planning permission to use the premises as a bingo club for the period during which the licence would be in force; or

(ii) that the premises may be used as such a club for that period without such permission; and

(i) that the applicant will not allow the bingo club premises to be managed by, or if a licence were granted, gaming to be organised for the benefit of, a person other than the applicant who would himself be refused the grant of a bingo club licence.

(5) A court may grant a bingo club licence notwithstanding that the procedure relating to the application set out in Schedule 9 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 grant of a bingo club licence if it is satisfied—

(a) that the premises are not suitable for use as bingo club premises; or

(b) that the applicant has been convicted of an offence under this Part.

(7) Paragraph (4)(g) shall not apply to an application for the grant of a bingo club licence in respect of premises which are on the site or in the vicinity of bingo club premises for which the applicant holds a bingo club licence and which—

(a) have, by reason of fire, tempest, or other unforeseen and unavoidable calamity, become incapable of being used for the bingo club carried on in them under the bingo club licence; or

(b) have been or, are likely to be acquired or demolished, either wholly or to a substantial extent, under any statutory provision; or

(c) have been or, are likely to be, extended to include premises which are, or are to be constructed so as to be, contiguous to them; or

(d) are or are to be used for the purpose of the same bingo club in conjunction with additional premises which are or are to be constructed adjacent to it; or

(e) have been or are to be wholly or substantially demolished and new premises have been or are to be constructed wholly or partly within their curtilage.

(8) A court which grants a bingo club licence may impose—

(a) restrictions limiting the gaming to a particular part or parts of the bingo club premises; and

(b) subject to Article 76(7) and (8)(d), such restrictions on the hours during which gaming will be permitted to take place on the bingo club premises as the court thinks necessary for the purpose of preventing disturbance or annoyance to the occupiers of other premises in the vicinity of the bingo club premises.

(9) Where a court grants a bingo club licence and the applicant for that licence has applied to the court for a direction specifying the number of gaming machines which may be made available for gaming on the bingo club premises in accordance with Article 108, the court shall give such a direction.

(10) Where the court refuses an application for the grant of a bingo club licence it shall specify in its order the reasons for its refusal.

(11) Where a court imposes restrictions under paragraph (8) or gives a direction under paragraph (9) the clerk of petty sessions shall note the restrictions or, as the case may be, the direction on the bingo club licence.

F3 Art. 63(4)(e) repealed (15.11.2010) by Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1254 (N.I. 9)), arts. 1(3), 63(2), Sch. 4 (with art. 62); S.R. 2010/328, art. 2

Grant of bingo club licence conditional on alterations being made in bingo club premises N.I.

64.—(1) A court which grants a bingo club licence may grant the licence subject to the condition that, within a period fixed by the court, the holder of the licence—

(a) shall make such alterations in the bingo club premises as the court may specify, being alterations which the court thinks necessary to ensure that the premises are suitable for use as bingo club premises; and

(b) shall deposit with the clerk of petty sessions a plan of the premises showing the alterations so specified.

(2) Notice of any alteration required under paragraph (1) shall be served by the clerk of petty sessions on the person whose name has been notified to the court as the owner of the premises.

(3) The period fixed by a court under paragraph (1) may be extended by a court of summary jurisdiction on the application of the holder of the licence.

(4) A bingo club licence granted conditionally under this Article shall, unless it is revoked or is a licence to which a disqualification order under Article 74 or 79 applies or it ceases to be in force under Article 173, remain in force from the date on which it is granted until the expiration of the period fixed by the court under paragraph (1) or any extended period and the clerk of petty sessions shall note the date of that expiration on the licence.

(5) A court of summary jurisdiction, on the application of the holder of the licence, shall declare the grant of a bingo club licence to be unconditional, if it is satisfied that alterations to the bingo club premises have been completed in accordance with the plans deposited with the clerk of petty sessions under paragraph (1)(b) and the clerk of petty sessions shall amend the licence accordingly.

Provisional grant of bingo club licences N.I.

65.—(1) Where premises are about to be constructed, altered or extended or are in the course of construction, alteration or extension, an application may be made to a court of summary jurisdiction for the provisional grant of a bingo club licence for those premises.

(2) An application for the provisional grant of a bingo club licence may be made by the person who proposes to be the owner of the bingo club to be carried on under the licence after it has been declared final under paragraph (7).

(3) The procedure for applications for the provisional grant of bingo club licences is set out in Part I of Schedule 9 as modified by Part II of that Schedule.

(4) For the purposes of the provisional grant of bingo club licences, Article 63 shall have effect as if—

(a) any reference in paragraphs (3) to (11) to the grant of a bingo club licence were a reference to the provisional grant of such a licence; and

(b) where the application relates to premises about to be constructed or in the course of construction, any reference in paragraphs (4)(g) to (i), (6) and (7) to the premises were a reference to the proposed premises and paragraph (4)(d) F4 . . . were omitted.

(5) A bingo club licence which is provisionally granted shall not authorise the holder of the licence to carry on a bingo club in the premises until the grant of the licence is declared final.

(6) At any time before a licence which has been provisionally granted is declared final, a court of summary jurisdiction may consent to any modification of the plans deposited under Part I of Schedule 9 as modified by Part II of that Schedule if, in its opinion, the premises, when completed in accordance with the modified plans, will be suitable to be licensed as a bingo club and, if it does so, shall require a copy of the modified plans to be deposited with the clerk of petty sessions.

(7) Where a bingo club licence has been granted provisionally for any premises, on the application of the holder of the licence, a court of summary jurisdiction shall, subject to paragraph (9), declare the grant of the licence final, if it is satisfied—

(a) that the premises have been completed in accordance with the plans deposited under Part I of Schedule 9 as modified by Part II of that Schedule or in accordance with those plans with modifications consented to under paragraph (6); and

(b) F5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8) The procedure for applications to have the provisional grant of bingo club licences declared final is set out in Part III of Schedule 9.

(9) A court of summary jurisdiction shall not entertain an application made under paragraph (7) after the expiration of 2 years from the date on which the licence was granted provisionally, unless the applicant satisfies the court that there were reasonable grounds for the failure to complete the construction, alteration or extension of the premises within that period.

(10) Where the provisional grant of a licence is declared final the clerk of petty sessions shall note the declaration on the licence.

F4 Words in art. 65(4)(b) repealed (15.11.2010) by Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1254 (N.I. 9)), arts. 1(3), 63(2), Sch. 4 (with art. 62); S.R. 2010/328, art. 2

F5 Art. 65(7)(b) repealed (15.11.2010) by Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1254 (N.I. 9)), arts. 1(3), 63(2), Sch. 4 (with art. 62); S.R. 2010/328, art. 2

Form and duration of new bingo club licences N.I.

66.—(1) A bingo club licence shall be in such form as may be prescribed by regulations and shall specify—

(a) the name and address of the holder of the licence;

(b) the name of the bingo club;

(c) the address of the premises for which it is granted;

(d) the name and address of the owner of the premises; and

(e) such other matters as may be so prescribed.

(2) Subject to Article 64(4) and to the succeeding provisions of this Article, a bingo club licence shall, unless it is revoked or is a licence to which a disqualification order under Article 74 or 79 applies or it ceases to be in force under Article 173, remain in force from the date on which it is granted until—

(a) the expiration of the licensing year in which it is granted, or

(b) if it is granted within the 3 months immediately preceding the expiration of that year, the expiration of the next following licensing year.

(3) Where, at the hearing of an application for the grant of a bingo club licence any person appears before the court and opposes the grant, but the court grants the licence—

(a) until the expiry of the time for bringing an appeal against the grant and, if an appeal is brought, until the grant is confirmed or the appeal is abandoned, the licence granted shall not come into force;

(b) if on appeal the grant is confirmed or if the appeal is abandoned, for the purpose of determining the period for which the licence is to be in force the date when the appeal is disposed of shall be substituted for the date on which the licence was granted and the clerk of petty sessions shall (if necessary) amend the licence accordingly.

(4) Where a bingo club licence granted conditionally is at any time declared unconditional paragraph (2), other than sub-paragraph (b), shall apply as if the licence were granted at that time.

(5) Where a bingo club licence granted provisionally is at any time declared final paragraphs (2) and (3) shall apply as if the licence were granted at that time.

(6) Paragraph (2) shall not prejudice the operation of Articles 70 and 73 under which a bingo club licence may continue in force after the time when it would otherwise expire.

(7) Where at any time—

(a) the holder of a bingo club licence dies or is adjudged bankrupt, or his bingo club becomes vested in the official assignee (whether before or after his death) without his being so adjudged F6 ... or a receiver of his property or a committee or guardian is appointed with power to manage the bingo club; or

(b) in the case of a body corporate, a winding-up is commenced or a receiver is appointed as aforesaid;

except for the purposes of the renewal of the licence, the personal representative or, as the case requires, the assignees or trustee in bankruptcy, official assignee, F7 ... receiver, committee, guardian or liquidator shall be deemed to be the holder of the bingo club licence and—

(i) subject to sub-paragraph (ii), the bingo club licence shall, where it would otherwise expire under this Article or Article 71 continue in force until the end of a period of 6 months from that time unless the licence is revoked or is a licence to which a disqualification order under Article 74 or 79 applies or the licence ceases to be in force under Article 173;

(ii) a court of summary jurisdiction may on the application of the person deemed to be the holder of the bingo club licence, extend the period for which that licence continues to be in force by virtue of this paragraph if it is satisfied that no circumstances make it undesirable.

(8) Where the holder of a bingo club licence dies and he has no personal representative or his personal representative is unwilling or unable to act, the licence shall, unless the licence is revoked or is a licence to which a disqualification order under Article 74 or 79 applies or the licence ceases to be in force under Article 173, continue in force for the benefit of any person entitled in consequence of his death to a beneficial interest in the bingo club until—

(a) the expiration of a period of 2 months from the date of his death, or

(b) paragraph (7) becomes applicable by reason of the appointment of a personal representative,

whichever first occurs.

(9) The authority conferred on any person by virtue of paragraph (7) or (8) to carry on a bingo club shall be suspended on the expiration of the period of 2 weeks from the date when he commenced to carry on that club unless during that period he has served notice that he is carrying on the bingo club by virtue of that paragraph (and, if he is carrying it on by virtue of paragraph (7), the capacity in which he is doing so) [F8 upon—

(a) the clerk of petty sessions; and

(b) the district commander of the police district in which the bingo club premises are situated;]

but the authority, if so suspended, shall revive upon the service of such a notice.

F6 Words in art. 66(7)(a) repealed (1.4.2016) by Insolvency (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (c. 2), s. 28(2), Sch. 4; S.R. 2016/203, art. 2

F7 Words in art. 66(7) repealed (1.4.2016) by Insolvency (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (c. 2), s. 28(2), Sch. 4; S.R. 2016/203, art. 2

F8 Words in art. 66(9) substituted (31.10.2016) by Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 9), s. 106(2), Sch. 1 para. 91(3) (with Sch. 8 para. 1); S.R. 2016/387, art. 2(k) (with art. 3)

Renewal of bingo club licences N.I.

67.—(1) An application for the renewal of a bingo club licence shall be made to a court of summary jurisdiction except where the licence is renewed by the clerk of petty sessions under this Article.

(2) The procedure for applications for the renewal of bingo club licences is set out in Part I of Schedule 10.

(3) Subject to paragraph (4), where notice of an application for the renewal of a bingo club licence otherwise than under Article 69 has been served upon the clerk of petty sessions, he may renew the licence as if the application had been made to him and may do so in the absence of the applicant.

(4) Where—

(a) a notice of objection has been served on the clerk of petty sessions and has not been withdrawn; or

(b) F9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) the application for renewal is in respect of bingo club premises for which the applicant has also applied to the court for a direction specifying the number of gaming machines which may be made available on the bingo club premises; or

(d) in the case of an application for the renewal of a bingo club licence held by partners or a body corporate, the clerk is not satisfied that—

(i) in the case of partners, the partners; or

(ii) in the case of a body corporate, the directors or the persons who have executive control of it or who have a financial interest in it;

have not changed since the licence was last renewed or, in the case of a first renewal of the licence, since the licence was granted; or

(e) the clerk is of the opinion, for any other reason, that an application for the renewal of the bingo club licence should be made to the court;

the clerk shall require the application to be made to the court and shall notify the applicant and the objectors, if any, of the requirement and of the time and place of the hearing.

(5) Where a bingo club licence is renewed, the clerk of petty sessions shall note the renewal on the licence.

F9 Art. 67(4)(b) repealed (15.11.2010) by Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1254 (N.I. 9)), arts. 1(3), 63(2), Sch. 4 (with art. 62); S.R. 2010/328, art. 2

Renewal of bingo club licences by a court N.I.

68.—(1) On an application for the renewal of a bingo club licence a court of summary jurisdiction shall hear the objections, if any, made under Schedule 10.

(2) A court shall, subject to paragraph (3), refuse an application for the renewal of a bingo club licence unless it is satisfied—

(a) that the procedure relating to the application set out in Schedule 10 has been complied with; and

(b) that the applicant is a fit person to hold a bingo club licence; and

(c) that the applicant has not allowed the bingo club premises to be managed by, or gaming to be organised for the benefit of, a person other than the applicant who would himself be refused the grant of a bingo club licence; and

(d) F10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) A court may renew a bingo club licence notwithstanding that the procedure relating to the application set out in Schedule 10 has not been complied with if, having regard to the circumstances, it is reasonable to do so.

(4) A court may refuse an application for the renewal of a bingo club licence if it is satisfied—

(a) that the premises are not suitable for use as bingo club premises; or

(b) that, having regard to the manner in which gaming carried on in the bingo club premises has been conducted since the last previous renewal of the bingo club licence (or, where the renewal applied for is the first renewal of the licence, since the licence was granted), it is unlikely that, if the licence is renewed, gaming will be properly conducted; or

(c) that a person has been convicted of an offence in respect of a contravention, in connection with the bingo club premises, of any of the provisions of this Part, or of any regulations made under it; or

(d) that, since the last previous renewal of the licence (or, where the renewal applied for is the first renewal of the licence, since the licence was granted), the bingo club premises have been used for an unlawful purpose or as a resort of persons of known bad character.

(5) A court which renews a bingo club licence may—

(a) where the licence is not subject to any restrictions imposed under Article 63(8), impose such restrictions; or

(b) vary any restrictions imposed under sub-paragraph (a) or Article 63(8).

(6) A court which renews a bingo club licence, on the application of the holder of the licence—

(a) where a direction has not been given under Article 63(9) in respect of the bingo club premises, shall give such a direction; or

(b) shall cancel or may vary a direction given under sub-paragraph (a) or Article 63(9).

(7) Where the court refuses an application for the renewal of a bingo club licence or for the variation of a direction under paragraph (6) it shall specify in its order the reasons for its refusal.

(8) Where a court imposes or varies restrictions under paragraph (5) or gives, cancels or varies a direction under paragraph (6) the clerk of petty sessions shall note the restrictions, direction, cancellation or variation, as the case may require, on the bingo club licence.

F10 Art. 68(2)(d) repealed (15.11.2010) by Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1254 (N.I. 9)), arts. 1(3), 63(2), Sch. 4 (with art. 62); S.R. 2010/328, art. 2

Renewal of bingo club licences out of time N.I.

69.—(1) Where the holder of a bingo club licence which falls to expire at the end of a licensing year fails to serve due notice of the application for its renewal before the renewal date in that year a court of summary jurisdiction, upon application for the renewal of the bingo club licence being made not later than the end of the next following licensing year, may renew the bingo club licence if it is satisfied that there was good reason for the failure.

(2) The procedure for applications under this Article for the renewal of bingo club licences is set out in Part I of Schedule 10 as modified by Part II of that Schedule.

Continuance of bingo club licences pending determination of appeal N.I.

70.  Where a court refuses an application for the renewal of a bingo club licence and the holder of the licence appeals, the licence shall, unless it is revoked or is a licence to which a disqualification order under Article 74 or 79 applies or it ceases to be in force under Article 173, continue in force until the appeal is determined or abandoned.

Duration of renewed bingo club licences N.I.

71.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), on the renewal of a bingo club licence, the licence shall, unless it is revoked or is a licence to which a disqualification order under Article 74 or 79 applies or it ceases to be in force under Article 173, remain in force until—

(a) if it is renewed within the 3 months immediately preceding the expiration of the then current licensing year, the expiration of the next following licensing year, or

(b) in any other case, the expiration of the then current licensing year.

(2) Paragraph (1) shall not prejudice the operation of Articles 66(7) and (8), 70 and 73 under which a bingo club licence may continue in force after the time when it would otherwise expire.

(3) Where, on renewing a bingo club licence, a court—

(a) varies any restrictions imposed on the licence under Article 63(8) or 68(5)(a) or any direction given under Article 63(9) or 68(6)(a); or

(b) in the case of a licence which is not subject to any restrictions imposed under Article 63(8), imposes such restrictions;

and the holder of the licence appeals against the variation or, as the case may be, the imposition of such restrictions, the variation or restrictions shall not take effect until the appeal is determined or abandoned.

Revocation of bingo club licences N.I.

72.—(1) An application for the revocation of a bingo club licence may be made by any person to a court of summary jurisdiction on any of the following grounds—

(a) that the holder of the licence is not a fit person to hold a bingo club licence; or

(b) that any information which, in or in connection with the application on which the licence was granted or renewed, was given to the court by the applicant was false in a material particular; or

(c) that the holder of the licence has been refused the grant or renewal of a bingo club licence on the ground mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) or (d) within the preceding 12 months; or

(d) that the holder of the licence has allowed the bingo club premises to be managed by, or gaming to be organised for the benefit of, a person other than the holder of the licence who would himself be refused the grant of a bingo club licence; or

(e) that a person has been convicted of an offence in respect of a contravention, in connection with the bingo club premises, of any of the provisions of this Part, or of any regulations made under it; or

(f) that the premises are not suitable for use as bingo club premises; or

(g) that gaming on the bingo club premises has not been properly conducted; or

(h) that the bingo club premises have been used for an unlawful purpose or as a resort of persons of known bad character; or

(i) F11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) The procedure for applications for the revocation of bingo club licences is set out in Schedule 7.

(3) On an application for the revocation of a bingo club licence a court shall hear the objections, if any, made under Schedule 7.

(4) A court shall refuse an application for the revocation of a bingo club licence unless it is satisfied that the application is not made on grounds which—

(a) have been, or ought to have been, raised previously by way of objection either when the bingo club licence was granted or on an occasion when it has been renewed; or

(b) are or have been the subject matter of proceedings for such an offence as is mentioned in Article 79.

(5) Where the court refuses an application for the revocation of a bingo club licence, it shall specify in its order the reasons for its refusal.

F11 Art. 72(1)(i) repealed (15.11.2010) by Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1254 (N.I. 9)), arts. 1(3), 63(2), Sch. 4 (with art. 62); S.R. 2010/328, art. 2

Continuance of bingo club licences pending determination of appeal against revocation N.I.

73.  Where a court revokes a bingo club licence and the holder of the licence appeals, the licence shall, unless it is a licence to which a disqualification order under Article 79 applies or it ceases to be in force under Article 173, continue in force until the appeal is determined or abandoned.

Disqualification of holder of bingo club licence or bingo club premises on revocation of licence N.I.

74.—(1) Where a court of summary jurisdiction revokes a bingo club licence, the court may make a disqualification order prohibiting—

(a) the person to whom the bingo club licence was granted from holding such a licence; or

(b) a bingo club licence from being held in respect of the premises to which the revoked licence related;

during such period, not exceeding 5 years from the date on which the order takes effect, as may be specified in the order.

(2) Where a disqualification order under paragraph (1) is made any bingo club licence within the prohibition obtained before the order is made or before it takes effect shall by virtue of the order be void as from the time the order takes effect.

(3) A disqualification order under paragraph (1) shall not take effect—

(a) until the expiry of the time for bringing an appeal against the revocation of the bingo club licence or against the making of the order, and

(b) if such appeal is brought, until the appeal has been determined or abandoned.

Gaming by way of bingo N.I.

Who may participate in bingo N.I.

75.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), where bingo takes place on any bingo club premises, no person shall participate in the bingo—

(a) if he is not present on the premises at the time when the bingo takes place there, or

(b) on behalf of another person who is not present on the premises at that time.

(2) Where a game of bingo is played simultaneously on different bingo club premises in circumstances where—

(a) all the players take part in the same game at the same time and all are present, at that time on 1 or other of those premises, and

(b) the draw takes place on 1 or other of those premises while the game is being played, and

(c) any claim of 1 of the players to have won is indicated to all the other players before the next number is called,

then if—

(i) the aggregate amount paid to players as winnings in respect of that game does not exceed the aggregate amount of the stakes hazarded by the players in playing that game, and

(ii) the aggregate amount paid to players as winnings in respect of that game, together with the aggregate amount paid to players as winnings in respect of all games of bingo which, in the circumstances specified in sub-paragraphs (a) to (c), have previously been played in the same week and have been so played on premises consisting of, or including any of, those premises, does not exceed[F12 £55,000] or such other amount as the Department may specify by order, subject to affirmative resolution,

paragraph (1) shall have effect as if those different premises were the same premises.

(3) Subject to the following provisions of this Article, where bingo takes place on bingo club premises, no person shall participate in the bingo unless either—

(a) he is a member of the bingo club specified in the bingo club licence who, at the time when he begins to take part in the bingo, is eligible to take part in it; or

(b) he is a bona fide guest of a person who is a member of that bingo club and who, at the time when the guest begins to take part in the bingo, is eligible to take part in it;

and neither the holder of the licence nor any person acting on his behalf or employed in the bingo club premises in question shall participate in the bingo.

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (3)—

(a) a member of the bingo club specified in the bingo club licence is eligible to take part in the bingo at any particular time if at that time at least 24 hours have elapsed since he applied for membership of the bingo club;

(b) a person employed in the bingo club premises in the capacity of a cleaner, or in such other capacity as may be prescribed by regulations, is eligible to take part in the bingo as a player.

(5) Where paragraph (2) has effect in relation to a game of bingo played simultaneously on different premises, for the purposes of the application of paragraphs (3) and (4) in relation to each of those premises, regard shall be had only to such of the players as are present on those particular premises.

(6) For the purposes of paragraph (3)(b) a person shall not be precluded from being a bona fide guest by reason only that he makes a payment which is required by regulations made under Article 76(2)(b).

(7) A person under the age of 18 shall not participate in bingo which takes place on bingo club premises.

(8) For the purposes of this Article a person participates in bingo if he takes part in the bingo as a player.

(9) In this Article and Article 76 “week” means a period of 7 days beginning with a Monday.

F12 SR 2001/414

Conditions applying to bingo N.I.

76.—(1) Subject to the following provisions of this Article, Articles 55(1), 56 and 57 shall have effect in relation to gaming by way of bingo as they have effect in relation to gaming to which Chapter I applies.

(2) Regulations may—

(a) provide that Article 55(1) shall not have effect in relation to gaming by way of bingo if the bingo is so played as to comply with such conditions as the regulations may prescribe;

(b) subject to paragraph (3), provide that charges which, apart from the regulations, would be prohibited by Article 56, may be made in such circumstances as the regulations may prescribe if they comply with such conditions as are so prescribed;

(c) provide that, where bingo takes place on bingo club premises, a levy, of such amount or calculated in such manner as the regulations prescribe, may in such circumstances as may be so prescribed be charged on the stakes or on the winnings of the players.

(3) No charge shall be made in accordance with paragraph (2)(b) unless particulars of the charges and of the circumstances in which they are chargeable—

(a) are displayed on the bingo club premises, and

(b) have, not less than 14 days before the date on which the charge is made, been notified to the sub-divisional commander of the police sub-division in which the bingo club premises are situated,

and, if the regulations so provide, those particulars comprise such matters as the regulations prescribe and are displayed on the bingo club premises in a manner, and in positions, determined in accordance with the regulations.

(4) Every prize won in respect of all games of bingo played in bingo club premises, other than games of bingo to which Article 77 applies, shall be a monetary prize.

(5) Without prejudice to the operation of Article 75(2) and (5), the aggregate amount paid to players as winnings in respect of all games of bingo played in any 1 week on any particular bingo club premises shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the stakes hazarded by the players in playing those games by more than[F13 £10,000] or such other amount as the Department may specify by order, subject to affirmative resolution.

(6) The holder of a bingo club licence or any person acting on his behalf or under any arrangement with him shall not—

(a) make any loan or otherwise provide or allow to any person any credit, or release, or discharge on another person's behalf, the whole or part of any debt,—

(i) for enabling any person to take part in bingo in the bingo club premises; or

(ii) in respect of any losses incurred by any person in that bingo; or

(b) accept a cheque and give in exchange for it cash or tokens for enabling any person to take part in that bingo.

(7) Bingo shall not take place on any bingo club premises on any Sunday, Christmas Day or Good Friday.

(8) Regulations may—

(a) restrict the amount of stakes and prizes in any single game of bingo;

(b) prescribe—

(i) the types of games of bingo which may be promoted in bingo club premises;

(ii) the detailed rules in accordance with which any game of bingo is to be played;

(iii) the manner in which participation fees are to be allocated between the different games of bingo; and

(iv) the information to be made available to the players;

(c) require the holder of the bingo club licence to display, in such manner and in such position on the bingo club premises as the regulations may prescribe, the rules in accordance with which any game of bingo is to be played on the bingo club premises;

(d) without prejudice to paragraph (7), restrict the hours during which games of bingo will be permitted to take place on bingo club premises;

(e) impose such prohibitions, restrictions or other requirements (in addition to those imposed by or under the provisions of this Chapter) as appear to the Department to be requisite—

(i) for securing that bingo on any bingo club premises is fairly and properly conducted;

(ii) for preventing the use of any indirect means for doing anything which if done directly would be a contravention of this Chapter or of any regulations made under it.

F13 SR 2001/414

Gaming for prizes N.I.

Gaming for prizes on bingo club premises N.I.

77.—(1) This Article applies to gaming, other than gaming by means of a gaming machine, which takes place on bingo club premises which is gaming for prizes in respect of which the following conditions are fulfilled, that is to say—

(a) the amount paid by any 1 person for any 1 chance to win a prize does not exceed[F14 £0.50];

(b) the aggregate amount taken by way of the sale of chances in any 1 determination of winners (if any) of prizes does not exceed[F14 £120], and the sale of those chances and the declaration of the result take place on the same day and on the premises on which and at the time when, the game is played;

(c) no money prize exceeding[F15 £25] is distributed or offered;

(d) the winning of, or the purchase of a chance to win, a prize does not entitle any person (whether subject to a further payment by him or not) to any further opportunity to win money or money's worth by taking part in any other gaming or in any lottery;

(e) the aggregate amount or value of the prizes on any 1 determination of winners does not exceed[F14 £120]; and

(f) in relation to a game of bingo played for prizes, the amount of money staked in the game is prominently displayed in the bingo club premises before the game has ended.

(2) Article 75, other than paragraphs (2) and (5), and Article 76, other than paragraph (1) in so far as it relates to Article 55(1) and paragraph (4), shall have effect in relation to gaming to which this Article applies as they have effect in relation to bingo, and, in relation to such gaming—

(a) for the purpose of Article 75 as applied by this paragraph, a person participates in the gaming if, where the game involves playing or staking against a bank, he holds the bank or has a share or interest in it; and

(b) in a game which involves playing or staking against a bank, nothing in Article 75(1) or (3) shall prevent the holder of the bingo club licence or a person acting on his behalf from holding the bank or having a share or interest in it; and

(c) Article 56 as applied by Article 76 shall not be taken to be contravened by reason only that a person pays for a chance to win a prize.

(3) Where a game of bingo is played for prizes on any bingo club premises and constitutes gaming to which this Article applies, the prizes won in that game shall be disregarded for the purposes of Article 76(5).

(4) The Department may, by order subject to affirmative resolution, substitute for any amount in paragraph (1) such other amount as may be specified in the order.

F14 SR 2001/414

F15 SR 2003/15

Miscellaneous N.I.

Offences relating to bingo and bingo club premises N.I.

78.—(1) Subject to the following provisions of this Article, if any of the provisions of Article 75 or 76 or of any regulations made under Article 76 is contravened in relation to any bingo club premises, the holder of the bingo club licence shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) Without prejudice to paragraph (1), but subject to paragraph (3), if any of the provisions mentioned in paragraph (1) is contravened in relation to any gaming to which this Chapter applies, every person concerned in the organisation or management of that gaming shall be guilty of an offence.

(3) Where a person is charged with an offence under either paragraph (1) or (2) in respect of a contravention of any of the provisions mentioned in paragraph (1), it shall be a defence for him to prove—

(a) that the contravention occurred without his knowledge; and

(b) that he exercised all such care as was reasonable in the circumstances to secure that the provisions in question would not be contravened.

(4) Where on the grant or renewal of a bingo club licence, a court of summary jurisdiction imposes any restrictions under Article 63(8) or 68(5), paragraphs (1) to (3) shall have effect in relation to any contravention of those restrictions as they have effect in relation to any contravention of the provisions of Article 75 or 76.

Disqualification of holder of bingo club licence or bingo club premises on conviction of offence N.I.

79.—(1) Subject to paragraph (4), where a person is convicted of—

(a) an offence committed in respect of any bingo club premises under paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 78 (including either of those paragraphs as applied by paragraph (4) of that Article); or

(b) an offence under Article 108(11) or (12); or

(c) any offence involving fraud or dishonesty;

the court by which he is convicted may make a disqualification order prohibiting—

(i) the person to whom the bingo club licence was granted from holding such a licence; or

(ii) a bingo club licence from being held in respect of those premises;

during such period, not exceeding 5 years from the date on which the order takes effect, as may be specified in the order.

(2) Where a disqualification order under paragraph (1) is made, any bingo club licence within the prohibition obtained before the order is made or before it takes effect shall by virtue of the order be void as from the time when the order takes effect.

(3) A disqualification order under paragraph (1) shall not take effect—

(a) until the expiry of the time for bringing an appeal against the conviction or against the making of the order, and

(b) if such appeal is brought, until the appeal has been determined or abandoned.

(4) Where the person on whose conviction a disqualification order may be made under paragraph (1) is not the holder of the bingo club licence, a court shall not make the disqualification order under paragraph (1)(ii) unless an opportunity has been given to any person interested in the bingo club premises and applying to be heard by the court to show cause why the order should not be made.

(5) A court which makes a disqualification order under paragraph (1)(ii) may, on the application of any person affected by the order,—

(a) revoke the order; or

(b) vary the order by reducing any period of prohibition specified in it.

(6) An application under paragraph (5) shall not be made during the period of 6 months from the date on which—

(a) the disqualification order under paragraph (1) takes effect; or

(b) a previous application under paragraph (5) was made to the court.

(7) An applicant under paragraph (5) shall serve on the sub-divisional commander of the police sub-division in which the premises to which the application relates are situated notice of the application under that paragraph.

CHAPTER III N.I. GAMING BY WAY OF A GAMING MACHINE

N.I.

Gaming to which Chapter III applies N.I.

80.  This Chapter applies to gaming by way of a gaming machine.

Supply and maintenance of gaming machines N.I.

General restrictions N.I.

81.—(1) Except as provided by paragraphs (2) and (3), no person shall supply a gaming machine unless—

(a) he holds a gaming machine certificate or, in respect of that gaming machine, a gaming machine permit; or

(b) where he supplies the gaming machine as the servant or agent of another person, that other person is the holder of such a certificate or permit;

and any person acting in contravention of this paragraph shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply—

(a) to the supply of a gaming machine to a person buying or agreeing or proposing to buy it under a credit-sale agreement, or to the supply of a gaming machine to a person as being a person hiring or agreeing or proposing to hire under a hire-purchase agreement, where (in any such case) the person who is or is to be the seller or owner in relation to the agreement has at no time had possession of the machine and became or becomes the owner of it only for the purpose of entering into the agreement;

(b) to the supply of a gaming machine as scrap;

(c) to any transaction whereby the premises in which a gaming machine is installed are sold or let and the gaming machine is supplied to the purchaser or tenant as part of the fixtures and fittings of the premises.

(3) The Department may by order direct that paragraph (1) shall not apply to the supply of a gaming machine for use exclusively at a travelling showmen's pleasure fair or for use exclusively on premises used or to be used—

(a) wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements; or

(b) as a pleasure pier.

(4) No person shall undertake to maintain the mechanism of a gaming machine or cause or permit another person to enter into such an undertaking on his behalf unless he holds a gaming machine certificate or, in respect of that gaming machine, a gaming machine permit, and any person acting in contravention of this paragraph shall be guilty of an offence.

(5) In this Article “credit-sale agreement” means an agreement for the sale of goods under which the whole or part of the purchase price is payable by instalments, and “hire-purchase agreement” has the meaning assigned to it by section 189(1) of the [1974 c.39] Consumer Credit Act 1974.

Restrictions as to terms and conditions N.I.

82.—(1) The Department may by regulations impose such restrictions as the Department may consider necessary or expedient with respect to the terms and conditions on which gaming machines may be supplied or undertaken to be maintained.

(2) Without prejudice to any restrictions imposed by regulations under paragraph (1) but subject to paragraph (3), no person shall supply or undertake to maintain a gaming machine on terms and conditions which are in any way dependent upon, or provide for any calculation by reference to, the extent to which, or the manner in which, that gaming machine, or any other gaming machine, machine or equipment is used.

(3) Paragraph (2) shall not have effect in relation to the supply of a gaming machine for use exclusively at a travelling showmen's pleasure fair or for use exclusively on premises used or to be used as mentioned in Article 81(3), or in relation to an undertaking to maintain a gaming machine at any such pleasure fair or on any such premises.

(4) The Department may by order direct that paragraph (3) shall cease to have effect, or shall have effect subject to such exceptions as may be specified in the order.

(5) Any person who—

(a) supplies or undertakes to maintain a gaming machine in contravention of any regulations made under paragraph (1), or

(b) contravenes paragraph (2),

shall be guilty of an offence.

(6) In this Article “terms and conditions” includes any terms and conditions as to price, rent or any other payment.

Application of Articles 81 and 82 to concessionaires N.I.

83.  For the purposes of Articles 81 and 82 a person (other than a travelling showman) who, in pursuance of any concession, licence or other right granted to him, places a gaming machine, or causes a gaming machine to be placed, on premises which are not in his occupation shall be treated as supplying the gaming machine at the time when it is placed on those premises.

Gaming machine certificates and permits N.I.

Persons to whom gaming machine certificates or permits may be granted N.I.

84.—(1) A gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit may be granted to an individual, to a body corporate or to 2 or more persons carrying on business in partnership.

(2) In considering the fitness of a person to hold a gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit, a court shall have regard to the character, reputation and financial standing—

(a) of the applicant; and

(b) of any other person by whom the business to be carried on under the certificate would be managed, or for whose benefit that business would be carried on;

but may also take into consideration any other circumstances appearing to it to be relevant in determining whether the applicant is likely to be capable of, and diligent in, securing that the provisions of this Part and of any regulations made under it will be complied with.

(3) In considering the fitness of a body corporate to hold a gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit, a court shall have regard to the character, reputation and financial standing of the directors of the body corporate and any other persons who have executive control of it or who have a financial interest in it, as if the certificate or permit were, or proposed to be, held by them jointly.

(4) Subject to paragraph (5), the following persons shall be disqualified for obtaining or holding a gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit—

(a) a person under the age of 21;

(b) a person who does not ordinarily reside in Northern Ireland;

(c) a person who has ordinarily resided in Northern Ireland for less than 12 months before making an application for the grant of a gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit;

[F16 (d) a body corporate other than a company registered under the Companies Act 2006 in Northern Ireland.]

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4) any reference to a person, where that person is a body corporate, shall be construed as a reference to the directors of that body corporate.

(6) A gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit purporting to be held by any person—

(a) who is disqualified by paragraph (4) for holding or obtaining such a certificate or permit, or

(b) in respect of whom there is in force a disqualification order under Article 94 or 125,

is void.

F16 Art. 84(4)(d) substituted (1.10.2009) by Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 65(4) (with art. 10)

Grant of gaming machine certificates or permits N.I.

85.—(1) An application for the grant of a gaming machine certificate shall be made to a court of summary jurisdiction.

(2) The procedure for applications for the grant of gaming machine certificates is set out in Part I of Schedule 11.

(3) An application for the grant of a gaming machine permit shall be made to a court of summary jurisdiction except where it is granted by the clerk of petty sessions under this Article.

(4) The procedure for applications for the grant of gaming machine permits is set out in Part I of Schedule 11 as modified by Part II of that Schedule.

(5) Subject to paragraph (6), where notice of an application for the grant of a gaming machine permit has been served upon the clerk of petty sessions, he may grant the gaming machine permit as if the application had been made to him and may do so in the absence of the applicant.

(6) Where—

(a) a notice of objection has been served on the clerk of petty sessions and has not been withdrawn; or

(b) the clerk is of the opinion, for any other reason, that an application for the grant of the gaming machine permit should be made to the court;

the clerk shall require the application to be made to the court and shall notify the applicant and the objectors, if any, of the requirement and of the time and place of the hearing.

(7) On an application for the grant of a gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit, the court shall hear the objections, if any, made under Schedule 11.

(8) A court shall, subject to paragraph (9), refuse an application for the grant of a gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit unless it is satisfied—

(a) that the procedure relating to the application set out in Schedule 11 has been complied with; and

(b) that the applicant is a fit person to hold a gaming machine certificate or, as the case may be, a gaming machine permit; and

(c) that the applicant is not a person in respect of whom a disqualification order in respect of a gaming machine certificate or, as the case may be, a gaming machine permit under Article 94 or 125 is in force; and

(d) that the applicant has not been refused the grant or renewal of a gaming machine certificate or, as the case may be, the grant of a gaming machine permit on the ground mentioned in sub-paragraph (b) or (e) within the immediately preceding 12 months; and

(e) that the applicant will not allow the business proposed to be carried on under the certificate or, as the case may be, the permit to be managed by, or carried on for the benefit of, a person other than the applicant who would himself be refused the grant of a gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit.

(9) A court may grant a gaming machine certificate or, as the case may be, a gaming machine permit notwithstanding that the procedure relating to the application set out in Schedule 11 has not been complied with if, having regard to the circumstances, it is reasonable to do so.

(10) A court may refuse an application for the grant of a gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit if it is satisfied that the applicant has been convicted of an offence under this Part.

(11) Where the court refuses an application for the grant of a gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit it shall specify in its order the reasons for its refusal.

Form and duration of new gaming machine certificates and permits N.I.

86.—(1) A gaming machine certificate shall be in such form as may be prescribed by regulations and shall specify—

(a) the name and address of the holder of the certificate;

(b) whether the certificate is in respect of—

(i) the supply of gaming machines; or

(ii) the maintenance of the mechanism of gaming machines; or

(iii) the supply and maintenance of the mechanism of gaming machines;

(c) such other matters as may be so prescribed.

(2) A gaming machine permit shall be in such form as may be prescribed by regulations and shall specify—

(a) the name and address of the holder of the permit;

(b) the gaming machine in respect of which the permit is granted;

(c) whether the permit is in respect of—

(i) the supply of the gaming machine; or

(ii) the maintenance of the mechanism of the gaming machine; or

(iii) the supply and maintenance of the mechanism of the gaming machine;

(d) the period for which it is granted;

(e) such other matters as may be so prescribed.

(3) Subject to the succeeding provisions of this Article, a gaming machine certificate shall, unless it is revoked or is a certificate to which a disqualification order under Article 94 or 125 applies or it ceases to be in force under Article 173, remain in force from the date on which it is granted until—

(a) the expiration of the certification year in which it is granted, or

(b) if it is granted within the 3 months immediately preceding the expiration of that year, the expiration of the next following certification year.

(4) Subject to the succeeding provisions of this Article, a gaming machine permit shall, unless it is a permit to which a disqualification order under Article 125 applies or it ceases to be in force under Article 173, remain in force from the date on which it is granted until the expiration of the period specified on the permit.

(5) Where, at the hearing of an application for the grant of a gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit, any person appears before the court and opposes the grant, but the court grants the certificate or, as the case may be, the permit—

(a) until the expiry of the time for bringing an appeal against the grant and, if an appeal is brought, until the grant is confirmed or the appeal is abandoned, the certificate or, as the case may be, the permit granted shall not come into force;

(b) if on appeal the grant is confirmed or if the appeal is abandoned, for the purpose of determining the period for which the certificate or, as the case may be, the permit is to be in force the date when the appeal is disposed of shall be substituted for the date on which the certificate or permit was granted and the clerk of petty sessions shall (if necessary) amend the certificate or permit accordingly.

(6) Paragraph (3) shall not prejudice the operation of Articles 90 and 93 under which a gaming machine certificate may continue in force after the time when it would otherwise expire.

(7) Where at any time—

(a) the holder of a gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit dies or is adjudged bankrupt, or his business becomes vested in the official assignee (whether before or after his death) without his being so adjudged F17 ... or a receiver of his property or a committee or guardian is appointed with power to manage the business; or

(b) in the case of a body corporate, a winding-up is commenced or a receiver is appointed as aforesaid;

except for the purposes of the renewal of the gaming machine certificate, the personal representative or, as the case requires, the assignees or trustee in bankruptcy, official assignee, F18 ... receiver, committee, guardian or liquidator shall be deemed to be the holder of the gaming machine certificate or, as the case may be, the gaming machine permit and—

(i) subject to sub-paragraph (ii), the gaming machine certificate shall, where it would otherwise expire under this Article or Article 91 continue in force until the end of a period of 6 months from that time unless the certificate is revoked or is a certificate to which a disqualification order under Article 94 or 125 applies or the certificate ceases to be in force under Article 173;

(ii) a court of summary jurisdiction may on the application of the person deemed to be the holder of the gaming machine certificate extend the period for which that certificate continues to be in force by virtue of this paragraph if it is satisfied that no circumstances make it undesirable.

(8) Where the holder of a gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit dies and he has no personal representative or his personal representative is unwilling or unable to act, the certificate or, as the case may be, the permit shall, unless the certificateF19 . . . is revoked or is a certificate or permit to which a disqualification order under Article 94 or 125 applies or the certificate or permit ceases to be in force under Article 173, continue in force for the benefit of any person entitled in consequence of his death to a beneficial interest in the business carried on under the certificate or, as the case may be, permit until—

(a) the expiration of a period of 2 months from the date of his death, or

(b) paragraph (7) becomes applicable by reason of the appointment of a personal representative,

whichever first occurs.

(9) The authority conferred on any person by virtue of paragraph (7) or (8) to carry on a business under a gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit shall be suspended on the expiration of the period of 2 weeks from the date when he commenced to carry on that business unless during that period he has served notice that he is carrying on the business by virtue of that paragraph (and, if he is carrying it on by virtue of paragraph (7), the capacity in which he is doing so) [F20 upon—

(a) the clerk of petty sessions; and

(b) the district commander of the police district in which the premises in which the business is carried on are situated;]

but the authority, if so suspended, shall revive upon the service of such a notice.

F17 Words in art. 86(7)(a) repealed (1.4.2016) by Insolvency (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (c. 2), s. 28(2), Sch. 4; S.R. 2016/203, art. 2

F18 Words in art. 86(7) repealed (1.4.2016) by Insolvency (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (c. 2), s. 28(2), Sch. 4; S.R. 2016/203, art. 2

F19 2004 NI 1

F20 Words in art. 86(9) substituted (31.10.2016) by Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 9), s. 106(2), Sch. 1 para. 91(4) (with Sch. 8 para. 1); S.R. 2016/387, art. 2(k) (with art. 3)

Renewal of gaming machine certificates N.I.

87.—(1) An application for the renewal of a gaming machine certificate shall be made to a court of summary jurisdiction except where the certificate is renewed by the clerk of petty sessions under this Article.

(2) The procedure for applications for the renewal of gaming machine certificates is set out in Part I of Schedule 12.

(3) Subject to paragraph (4), where notice of an application for the renewal of a gaming machine certificate otherwise than under Article 89 has been served upon the clerk of petty sessions, he may renew the certificate as if the application had been made to him and may do so in the absence of the applicant.

(4) Where—

(a) a notice of objection has been served on the clerk of petty sessions and has not been withdrawn; or

(b) in the case of an application for the renewal of a gaming machine certificate held by partners or a body corporate, the clerk is not satisfied that—

(i) in the case of partners, the partners; or

(ii) in the case of a body corporate, the directors or the persons who have executive control of it or who have a financial interest in it;

have not changed since the certificate was last renewed or, in the case of a first renewal of the certificate, since the certificate was granted; or

(c) the clerk is of the opinion, for any other reason, that an application for the renewal of the certificate should be made to the court;

the clerk shall require the application to be made to the court and shall notify the applicant and the objectors, if any, of the requirement and of the time and place of the hearing.

(5) Where a gaming machine certificate is renewed, the clerk shall note the renewal on the certificate.

Renewal of gaming machine certificates by a court N.I.

88.—(1) On an application for the renewal of a gaming machine certificate a court shall hear the objections, if any, made under Schedule 12.

(2) A court shall, subject to paragraph (3), refuse an application for the renewal of a gaming machine certificate unless it is satisfied—

(a) that the procedure relating to the application set out in Schedule 12 has been complied with; and

(b) that the applicant is a fit person to hold a gaming machine certificate; and

(c) that the applicant has not allowed the business carried on under the certificate to be managed by, or carried on for the benefit of, a person other than the applicant, who would himself be refused the grant of a gaming machine certificate.

(3) A court may renew a gaming machine certificate notwithstanding that the procedure relating to the application set out in Schedule 12 has not been complied with if, having regard to the circumstances, it is reasonable to do so.

(4) A court may refuse an application for the renewal of a gaming machine certificate if it is satisfied that the applicant has been convicted of an offence under this Part.

(5) Where the court refuses an application for the renewal of a gaming machine certificate it shall specify in its order the reasons for its refusal.

Renewal of gaming machine certificates out of time N.I.

89.—(1) Where the holder of a gaming machine certificate which falls to expire at the end of a certification year fails to serve due notice of the application for its renewal before the renewal date in that year a court of summary jurisdiction, upon application for the renewal of the gaming machine certificate being made not later than the end of the next following certification year, may renew the gaming machine certificate if it is satisfied that there was good reason for the failure.

(2) The procedure for applications under this Article for the renewal of gaming machine certificates is set out in Part I of Schedule 12 as modified by Part II of that Schedule.

Continuance of gaming machine certificates pending determination of appeal N.I.

90.  Where a court refuses an application for the renewal of a gaming machine certificate and the holder of the certificate appeals, the certificate shall, unless it is revoked or is a certificate to which a disqualification order under Article 94 or 125 applies, or it ceases to be in force under Article 173, continue in force until the appeal is determined or abandoned.

Duration of renewed gaming machine certificates N.I.

91.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), on the renewal of a gaming machine certificate, the certificate shall, unless it is revoked or is a certificate to which a disqualification order under Article 94 or 125 applies or it ceases to be in force under Article 173, remain in force until—

(a) if it is renewed within the 3 months immediately preceding the expiration of the then current certification year, the expiration of the next following certification year, or

(b) in any other case, the expiration of the then current certification year.

(2) Paragraph (1) shall not prejudice the operation of Articles 86(7) and (8), 90 and 93 under which a gaming machine certificate may continue in force after the time when it would otherwise expire.

Revocation of gaming machine certificates N.I.

92.—(1) An application for the revocation of a gaming machine certificate may be made by any person to a court of summary jurisdiction on any of the following grounds—

(a) that the holder of the certificate is not a fit person to hold a gaming machine certificate; or

(b) that any information which, in or in connection with the application on which the certificate was granted or renewed, was given to the court by the applicant was false in a material particular; or

(c) that the holder of the certificate has been refused the grant or renewal of a gaming machine certificate on the ground mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) or (d) within the preceding 12 months; or

(d) that the holder of the certificate has allowed the business carried on under the certificate to be managed by, or carried on for the benefit of, a person other than the holder of the certificate who would himself be refused the grant of a gaming machine certificate; or

(e) that the holder of the certificate has been convicted of an offence under this Part.

(2) The procedure for applications for the revocation of gaming machine certificates is set out in Schedule 7.

(3) On an application for the revocation of a gaming machine certificate a court shall hear the objections, if any, made under Schedule 7.

(4) A court shall refuse an application for the revocation of a gaming machine certificate unless it is satisfied that the application is not made on grounds which—

(a) have been, or ought to have been, raised previously by way of objection either when the gaming machine certificate was granted or on an occasion when it has been renewed; or

(b) are or have been the subject matter of proceedings for such an offence as is mentioned in Article 125.

(5) Where the court refuses an application for the revocation of a gaming machine certificate it shall specify in its order the reasons for its refusal.

Continuance of gaming machine certificates pending determination of appeal or otherwise N.I.

93.—(1) Where a court revokes a gaming machine certificate and the holder of the certificate appeals, the certificate shall, unless it is a certificate to which a disqualification order under Article 125 applies or it ceases to be in force under Article 173, continue in force until the appeal is determined or abandoned.

(2) Where a court revokes a gaming machine certificate and the court is satisfied that a postponement of the revocation is necessary for the purpose of fulfilling contractual agreements which were entered into before the date of the revocation and that no other circumstances make it undesirable, the court may order that the revocation shall not take effect until the end of such period as the court may specify (not being more than 6 months from the date of the revocation or, where the holder of the certificate appeals, the date on which the appeal is disposed of).

Disqualification of holder of gaming machine certificate on revocation of certificate N.I.

94.—(1) Where a court of summary jurisdiction revokes a gaming machine certificate, the court may make a disqualification order prohibiting the person to whom the gaming machine certificate was granted from holding such a certificate during such period, not exceeding 5 years from the date on which the order takes effect, as may be specified in the order.

(2) Where a disqualification order under paragraph (1) is made any gaming machine certificate within the prohibition obtained before the order is made or before it takes effect shall by virtue of the order be void as from the time the order takes effect.

(3) A disqualification order under paragraph (1) shall not take effect—

(a) until the expiry of the time for bringing an appeal against the revocation of the gaming machine certificate or against the making of the order, and

(b) if such appeal is brought, until the appeal has been determined or abandoned.

Use of gaming machines N.I.

General restriction on use of gaming machines N.I.

95.—(1) No gaming machine shall be used for gaming except—

(a) subject to Article 105, on the premises of a registered club; or

(b) subject to Article 107, on the premises specified in Article 108(1); or

(c) as an incident of an exempt entertainment to which Article 122 applies.

(2) Where a gaming machine is used for gaming on any premises, or in any vessel or vehicle, in contravention of paragraph (1) any person who allowed the gaming machine to be on the premises or in the vessel or vehicle shall be guilty of an offence.

(3) Where a gaming machine which has been supplied otherwise than by—

(a) a person who holds a gaming machine certificate or, in respect of that gaming machine, a gaming machine permit;

(b) a servant or agent of such a person;

is used for gaming on any premises or at an exempt entertainment as mentioned in paragraph (1) (a) to (c), any person who allowed the gaming machine to be used for gaming shall be guilty of an offence.

(4) In any proceedings for an offence under paragraph (2) or (3) it shall be a defence for any person charged to prove that the contravention occurred without his consent or connivance and he exercised due diligence to prevent it.

(5) Where paragraph (1) is contravened in relation to a gaming machine, then (without prejudice to any liability of any other person under paragraph (2)) any person who, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that paragraph (1) would be contravened in relation to the gaming machine, supplied the gaming machine shall be guilty of an offence.

Registration of clubs N.I.

Registration of clubs N.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[F21 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[F22 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

[F22 (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.

F21 2004 NI 1

F22 1996 NI 23

Issue and duration of certificate of registration N.I.

97.—(1) Where a court of summary jurisdiction grants an application for the registration of a club, the court shall issue a certificate of registration which shall be in such form as may be prescribed by regulations.

(2) Subject to the succeeding provisions of this Article, a certificate of registration unless registration is cancelled under Article 103 shall remain in force from the date on which it is issued until—

(a) the expiration of the registration year in which it is issued, or

(b) if it is issued within the 3 months immediately preceding the expiration of that year, the expiration of the next following registration year.

(3) Where, at the hearing of an application for the registration of a club any person appears before the court and opposes the registration, but the court registers the club—

(a) until the expiry of the time for bringing an appeal against the registration and, if an appeal is brought, until the registration is confirmed or the appeal is abandoned, the certificate of registration shall not come into force;

(b) if on appeal the registration is confirmed or if the appeal is abandoned, for the purpose of determining the period for which the certificate of registration is to be in force the date when the appeal is disposed of shall be substituted for the date on which the certificate of registration was issued and the clerk of petty sessions shall (if necessary) amend the certificate accordingly.

(4) Paragraph (2) shall not prejudice the operation of Articles 101 and 104 under which a certificate of registration may continue in force after the time when it would otherwise expire.

Renewal of registration of clubs N.I.

98.—(1) An application for the renewal of 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 except where the registration is renewed by the clerk of petty sessions under this Article.

(2) The procedure for applications for the renewal of registration of clubs is set out in Part I of Schedule 14.

(3) Subject to paragraph (4), where notice of an application for the renewal of registration of a club otherwise than under Article 100 has been served upon the clerk of petty sessions, he may renew the registration of the club as if the application had been made to him and may do so in the absence of the applicant.

(4) Where—

(a) a notice of objection has been served on the clerk of petty sessions and has not been withdrawn; or

(b) the clerk is of the opinion, for any other reason, that an application for the renewal of the registration of a club should be made to the court;

the clerk shall require the application to be made to the court and shall notify the applicant and the objectors, if any, of the requirement and of the time and place of the hearing.

(5) Where the registration of a club is renewed, the clerk of petty sessions shall note the renewal on the certificate of registration.

Renewal of registration of clubs by a court N.I.

99.—(1) On an application for the renewal of registration of a club, the court shall hear the objections, if any, made under Schedule 14.

(2) A court shall, subject to paragraph (3), refuse an application for the renewal of registration of a club unless it is satisfied—

(a) that the procedure relating to the application set out in Schedule 14 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 since the last previous renewal of registration (or where the renewal applied for is the first renewal of the registration, since the club was registered) for the objects of the club; 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[F23 Registration of Clubs (Northern Ireland) Order 1996].

(3) A court may renew the registration of a club notwithstanding that the procedure relating to the application set out in Schedule 14 has not been complied with if, having regard to the circumstances, it is reasonable to do so.

(4) A court may refuse an application for the renewal of registration of a club if it is satisfied that a person has been convicted of an offence in respect of a contravention, in connection with the premises of the club, of any of the provisions of this Chapter or Chapter I or of any regulations made under them.

(5) Where the court refuses an application for the renewal of registration of a club it shall specify in its order the reasons for its refusal.

F23 1996 NI 23

Renewal of registration of clubs out of time N.I.

100.—(1) Where the chairman, or as the case may be, secretary of a club the registration of which falls to expire at the end of a registration year fails to serve due notice of the application for renewal of the registration before the renewal date in that year a court of summary jurisdiction, upon application for renewal of registration of the club being made not later than the end of the next following registration year, may renew the registration of the club if it is satisfied that there was good reason for the failure.

(2) The procedure for applications under this Article for the renewal of registration of clubs is set out in Part I of Schedule 14 as modified by Part II of that Schedule.

Continuance of registration of clubs pending determination of appeal N.I.

101.  Where a court refuses an application for the renewal of the registration of a club and the applicant for the renewal appeals, the registration of the club shall, unless cancelled, continue in force until the appeal is determined or abandoned.

Duration of renewed certificates of registration N.I.

102.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), on the renewal of registration of a club, the certificate of registration, unless registration is cancelled, shall remain in force until—

(a) if it is renewed within the 3 months immediately preceding the expiration of the then current registration year, the expiration of the next following registration year, or

(b) in any other case, the expiration of the then current registration year.

(2) Paragraph (1) shall not prejudice the operation of Articles 101 and 104 under which a certificate of registration may continue in force after the time when it would otherwise expire.

Cancellation of registration of clubs N.I.

103.—(1) An application for the cancellation of registration of a club may be made by the sub-divisional commander of the police sub-division in which the premises of the club are situated to a court of summary jurisdiction on any of the following grounds—

(a) that the club is not a bona fide members' club; or

(b) that the club has less than 25 members; or

(c) that the premises of the club have not been habitually used for the objects of the club; or

(d) that the premises of the club are frequented wholly or mainly by persons under the age of 18; or

[F24 (e) that the club is registered under the Registration of Clubs (Northern Ireland) Order 1996; or]

(f) that a person has been convicted of an offence in respect of a contravention, in connection with the premises of the club, of any of the provisions of this Chapter or Chapter I or of any regulations made under them.

(2) On an application for the cancellation of registration of a club a court shall hear representations, if any, from the applicant and the chairman or secretary of the club.

(3) A court shall refuse an application for the cancellation of registration of a club if it is satisfied that the application is made on grounds which have been, or ought to have been, raised previously by way of objection either when the club was registered or on an occasion when registration has been renewed.

(4) Where the court refuses an application for the cancellation of registration of a club, it shall specify in its order the reasons for its refusal.

(5) A certificate of registration purporting to be held in respect of the registration of a club shall, where that registration has been cancelled, be void.

F24 1996 NI 23

Continuance of registration of clubs pending determination of appeal against cancellation N.I.

104.  Where a court cancels the registration of a club and the chairman or, as the case may be, the secretary of the club appeals, the registration shall continue in force until the appeal is determined or abandoned.

Gaming machines in registered clubs N.I.

Gaming machines restricted from certain registered clubs N.I.

105.—(1) A court of summary jurisdiction may, on an application by the sub-divisional commander of the police sub-division in which the premises of a club registered under the [F25 Registration of Clubs (Northern Ireland) Order 1996] are situated, declare that the premises of that club are not the premises of a registered club to which the exception in Article 95(1)(a) applies.

(2) A declaration under paragraph (1) shall not take effect—

(a) until the expiry of the time for bringing an appeal against the making of the declaration; and

(b) if such an appeal is brought, until the appeal is determined or abandoned.

(3) On an application for a declaration under paragraph (1) a court shall hear representations, if any, from the chairman or secretary of the club.

(4) A court which makes a declaration under paragraph (1) may, on the application of the chairman or secretary of the club, cancel the declaration.

(5) An application under paragraph (4) shall not be made during the period of 2 years from the date on which—

(a) the declaration under paragraph (1) takes effect; or

(b) a previous application under paragraph (4) was made to the court.

(6) An applicant under paragraph (4) shall serve on the sub-divisional commander mentioned in paragraph (1) notice of the application under paragraph (4).

(7) Where the court makes a declaration under paragraph (1) or cancels the declaration under paragraph (4) the[F25 clerk of petty sessions] shall note the declaration or, as the case may be, the cancellation on the certificate of registration issued under[F25 Article 6(1) of that Order of 1996] and in the register of clubs kept under[F25 Article 16 of that Order] in respect of the club.

F25 1996 NI 23

Use of gaming machines in registered clubs N.I.

106.—(1) This Article shall have effect where, in pursuance of the exception in Article 95(1)(a), a gaming machine is used for gaming on the premises of any registered club.

[F26 (2) Not more than 3 gaming machines (or such other number as the Department may specify, by order subject to affirmative resolution) shall be made available for gaming on those premises.]

(3) The charge for playing a game once by means of any gaming machine shall be a coin or coins inserted in the machine of an amount not exceeding (or, if more than 1, not in the aggregate exceeding)[F27 £0.50] or such other sum as the Department may specify, by order subject to affirmative resolution.

(4) In respect of any 1 game played by means of a gaming machine no player or person claiming under a player shall receive, or shall be entitled to receive, any article, benefit or advantage other than a coin or coins delivered by the machine.

(5 )F28  If an amount is prescribed by regulations for the purposes of this paragraph, the coins delivered by any gaming machine as a prize in respect of any 1 game played by means of the machine shall not in the aggregate exceed the amount so prescribed.

(6) In relation to any gaming machine used on any premises mentioned in paragraph (1), regulations may—

(a) make provision as to the amount which that machine shall pay out;

(b) require the display of such information in such form and manner and at such intervals as may be prescribed by regulations;

(c) require copies of such information to be furnished to such persons as may be so prescribed;

(d) require the officers of the club to make and keep such records and accounts as may be prescribed by the regulations, to retain those records and accounts during such period as may be so prescribed and to send copies of those records and accounts to such persons as may be so prescribed.

(7) No gaming machine shall be used on the premises mentioned in paragraph (1) except by—

(a) a member of the registered club who, at the time when he uses the gaming machine, is eligible to do so; or

(b) a bona fide guest of a person who is a member of that club and who, at the time when the guest uses the gaming machine, is eligible himself to do so,

and for the purposes of this paragraph a member of a club registered under this Part is eligible to use the gaming machine at any particular time if at that time at least 24 hours have elapsed since he applied for membership of the club.

(8) Where any of the provisions of this Article or of any regulations made under this Article is contravened—

(a) every officer of the club, and

(b) insofar as the provision is contravened in relation to a gaming machine on a registered club, any person who allowed the gaming machine to be on the registered club,

shall be guilty of an offence.

(9) In any proceedings for an offence under paragraph (8), it shall be a defence for any person charged to prove—

(a) that the contravention occurred without his knowledge, and

(b) that he exercised all such care as was reasonable in the circumstances to secure that the provisions in question would not be contravened.

(10) Where any of the provisions of this Article or of any regulations made under this Article is contravened in relation to a gaming machine, then (without prejudice to any liability of any other person under paragraph (8)) any person who, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that the provision in question would be contravened in relation to the gaming machine, supplied the gaming machine shall be guilty of an offence.

F26 1997 NI 22

F27 SR 1999/4

F28 mod. by SR 1999/5

Gaming machines on other premises N.I.

Gaming machines restricted from certain premises N.I.

107.—(1) A court of summary jurisdiction may, on an application by the sub-divisional commander of the police sub-division in which bingo club premises or premises licensed under the [F29 Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996[F30 or a licensed office]] are situated declare that the bingo club premises orF30 . . . the licensed premises[F30 or, as the case may be, the licensed office] are not premises to which the exception in Article 95(1)(b) applies.

(2) Where a court makes a declaration under paragraph (1) in respect of bingo club premises, any direction under Article 63(9) or, as the case may be, Article 68(6)(a) obtained before the declaration is made or before it takes effect shall by virtue of the declaration be void from the time when the declaration takes effect.

(3) A declaration under paragraph (1) shall not take effect—

(a) until the expiry of the time for bringing an appeal against the making of the declaration; and

(b) if such an appeal is brought, until the appeal is determined or abandoned.

(4) On an application for a declaration under paragraph (1) a court shall hear representations, if any, from the holder of the bingo club licence orF30 . . . the holder of the licence granted under[F29 that Order of 1996][F30 or the licensed bookmaker, as the case may require].

(5) A court which makes a declaration under paragraph (1) may,—

(a) in the case of bingo club premises, on the application of the holder of the bingo club licence, and

(b) in the case of premises licensed under[F29 that Order of 1996], on the application of the holder of the licence under[F29 that Order],[F30 and]

[F30 (c) in the case of a licensed office, on the application of the licensed bookmaker,]

cancel the declaration.

(6) An application under paragraph (5) shall not be made during the period of 2 years from the date on which—

(a) the declaration under paragraph (1) takes effect; or

(b) a previous application under paragraph (5) was made to the court.

(7) An applicant under paragraph (5) shall serve on the sub-divisional commander mentioned in paragraph (1) notice of the application under paragraph (5).

(8) Where the court makes a declaration under paragraph (1) or cancels the declaration under paragraph (5) the clerk of petty sessions shall note the declaration or, as the case may be, the cancellation—

(a) in the case of bingo club premises, on the bingo club licence; and

(b) in the case of premises licensed under[F29 that Order of 1996], on the licence granted under[F29 that Order] and in the register kept under[F29 Article 34 of that Order] in respect of the licence.[F30 and]

[F30 (c) in the case of a licensed office, on the bookmaking office licence.]

F29 1996 NI 22

F30 2004 NI 1

Use of gaming machines on other premises N.I.

108.—(1) The conditions specified in the following provisions of this Article shall be observed where, in pursuance of the exception in Article 95(1)(b), a gaming machine is used for gaming—

(a) on any bingo club premises in respect of which a court of summary jurisdiction has given a direction under Article 63(9) or, as the case may be, Article 68(6)(a);

(b) on such licensed premises within the meaning of the[F31 Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996] as may be prescribed by regulations;

[F32 (ba) on any licensed office;]

[F32 (c) on any premises in respect of which there is in force an amusement permit expressed to be granted for the purposes of this sub-paragraph;

(ca) on any premises in respect of which there is in force an amusement permit expressed to be granted for the purposes of this sub-paragraph;]

(d) at a travelling showmen's pleasure fair.

(2) Not more than the number of gaming machines specified by a court of summary jurisdiction in a direction under Article 63(9) or, as the case may be, Article 68(6)(a) in respect of any bingo club premises shall be made available for gaming on those bingo club premises.

(3) Gaming machines shall not be made available for gaming on bingo club premises on any Sunday, Christmas Day or Good Friday.

(4) Where a county court, or as the case may be, a court of summary jurisdiction gives a direction under[F31 Article 7(13) or, as the case may be, Article 15(6) of the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996] in respect of any licensed premises within the meaning of[F31 that Order] not more than the number of gaming machines specified in that direction shall be made available for gaming on those licensed premises.

[F32 (4A) Not more than 2 gaming machines (or such other number as the Department may specify, by order subject to affirmative resolution) shall be made available for gaming on any licensed office.]

(5) In the case of a travelling showmen's pleasure fair the opportunity to win prizes by means of amusements which constitute gaming (whether by use of gaming machines or otherwise) shall not constitute the only, or the only substantial, inducement to persons to attend the fair.

(6) The charge for playing a game once by means of the gaming machine shall be 1 or more coins inserted in the gaming machine of an amount or value not exceeding (or, if more than 1, not in the aggregate exceeding)

[F32 (a) £0.30 in respect of a gaming machine where the condition specified in paragraph (7) applies; or

(b) £0.30 in respect of a gaming machine where the condition specified in paragraph (8) applies.]

(7) Except as provided by paragraphs[F32 (7A),] (8),[F32 (8A),] (9) and (16), in respect of any 1 game played by means of the gaming machine no player or person claiming under a player shall receive, or shall be entitled to receive, any article, benefit or advantage other than 1 (and only 1) of the following, that is to say—

(a) a money prize not exceeding[F32 £8];

(b) a non-monetary prize or prizes of a value or aggregate value not exceeding[F33 £8] or a token or tokens exchangeable only for such a non-monetary prize or such non-monetary prizes;

[F32 (c) a money prize together with a non-monetary prize of an aggregate value not exceeding £8 or a token or tokens exchangeable only for such a combination of a money prize and a non-monetary prize]

.

[F32 (7A) In the case of bingo club premises, in addition to the condition specified in paragraph (7), paragraph (8) shall apply in respect of any 1 game played by means of a gaming machine installed on such premises.]

(8) In respect of any 1 game played by means of a gaming machine installed on licensed premises such as are mentioned in paragraph (1)(b)[F32 or on any licensed office] no player or person claiming under a player shall receive, or shall be entitled to receive, any article, benefit or advantage other than a money prize[F32 delivered by the machine of an amount] not exceeding[F34 £25].

[F32 (8A) In the case of premises in respect of which there is in force an amusement permit expressed to be granted for the purposes of paragraph (1)(ca), in addition to the condition specified in paragraph (7), paragraph (8) shall apply in respect of any 1 game played by means of a gaming machine installed on such premises.]

(9) The condition specified in paragraph (7) or (8) shall not be taken to be contravened by reason only that a player, after inserting in the gaming machine an amount permitted in accordance with paragraph (6) and playing a game successfully, is afforded by the automatic action of the machine an opportunity to play 1 or more further games without inserting any further coins in the gaming machine, if in respect of all those games—

(a) he does not receive, and is not entitled to receive, any article other than a money prize or money prizes of an amount or aggregate amount not exceeding[F32 £8 or, in relation to a machine to which paragraph (8) applies, a money prize or money prizes of an amount or aggregate amount not exceeding £25 delivered by the machine;]

(b) he does not receive and is not entitled to receive, any other benefit or advantage apart from the opportunity to play the further game or games.

(10) In relation to any gaming machine used on any premises mentioned in paragraph (1), regulations may—

(a) make provision as to the amount which that machine shall pay out;

(b) require the display of such information in such form and manner and at such intervals as may be prescribed by regulations.

(11) Where any of the provisions of this Article or of any regulations made under this Article is contravened,—

(a) in a case falling within paragraph (1)(a), (b)[F32 ,(ba)][F32 , (c) or (ca)], the holder of the bingo club licence or the holder of the licence for the sale of intoxicating liquor or[F32 the licensed bookmaker or] the holder of the amusement permit, as the case may require,

(b) in a case falling within paragraph (1)(d) the person in charge of the gaming machine,

shall be guilty of an offence.

(12) Where any of the provisions of this Article or of any regulation made under this Article is contravened in relation to a gaming machine on bingo club premises, any person who allowed the gaming machine to be on the bingo club premises shall be guilty of an offence.

(13) In any proceedings for an offence under paragraph (11) or (12) it shall be a defence for any person charged to prove—

(a) that the contravention occurred without his knowledge, and

(b) that he exercised all such care as was reasonable in the circumstances to secure that the provisions in question would not be contravened.

(14) Where any of the provisions of this Article or of any regulations made under this Article is contravened in relation to a gaming machine, then (without prejudice to any liability of any other person under paragraph (11) or (12)) any person who, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that the provision in question would be contravened in relation to the gaming machine, supplied the gaming machine shall be guilty of an offence.

(15) In this Article “non-monetary prize” means a prize which does not consist of or include any money and does not consist of or include any token which can be exchanged for money or money's worth.

(16) The Department may, by order subject to affirmative resolution, substitute for any amount in this Article such other amount as may be specified in the order.

F31 1996 NI 22

F32 2004 NI 1

F33 SR 1995/442

F34 SR 2003/15

Amusement permits N.I.

Persons to whom amusement permits may be granted N.I.

109.—(1) The person to whom an amusement permit is granted shall be the person who is, or who proposes to be, the occupier of the premises for which the amusement permit is sought.

(2) An amusement permit may be granted to an individual, to[F35 a company registered under the Companies Act 2006 in Northern Ireland] or to 2 or more persons carrying on business in partnership.

(3) In considering the fitness of a person to hold an amusement permit, a district council shall have regard to the character, reputation and financial standing—

(a) of the applicant; and

(b) of any other person by whom the business which is or is proposed to be carried on under the permit would be managed, or for whose benefit that business would be carried on;

but may also take into consideration any other circumstances appearing to it to be relevant in determining whether the applicant is likely to be capable of, and diligent in, securing that the provisions of this Part and of any regulations made under it will be complied with.

(4) In considering the fitness of a body corporate to hold an amusement permit, a district council shall also have regard to the character, reputation and financial standing of the directors of the body corporate and any other persons who have executive control of it and who have a financial interest in it, as if the permit were, or were proposed to be, held by them jointly.

F35 Words in art. 109(2) substituted (1.10.2009) by Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 65(5) (with art. 10)

Premises for which amusement permits may be granted N.I.

110.—(1) The premises in which gaming by means of a gaming machine in accordance with Article 108 is authorised by an amusement permit shall be such premises as may be prescribed by regulations.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), a district council may pass any of the following resolutions, that is to say—

(a) that the council will not grant an amusement permit in respect of premises of a class specified in the resolution;

(b) that the council will not grant or renew an amusement permit in respect of premises of a class specified in the resolution;

(c) that, where the council grants or renews an amusement permit in respect of any premises, or in respect of premises of a class specified in the resolution, it will grant or renew it subject to a condition limiting the number of gaming machines which may be made available for gaming on the premises so as not to exceed such number as may be specified in the resolution.

(3) A resolution under paragraph (2) shall not have effect in relation to the grant or renewal of permits in respect of premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements by means of gaming machines.

Grant of amusement permits N.I.

111.—(1) An application for the grant of an amusement permit shall be made by the person who is, or by any person who proposes to be, the occupier of the premises for which the amusement permit is sought to the district council for the district in which those premises are situated and the applicant shall—

[F36 (a) attach to the application such fee as is specified in paragraph (1B); and]

(b) serve a copy of the application upon the sub-divisional commander of the police sub-division in which those premises are situated.

[F36 (1A) An application for the grant of an amusement permit shall be either—

(a) for the grant of a permit for the purposes of Article 108(1)(c); or

(b) for the grant of a permit for the purposes of Article 108(1)(ca).

(1B) The fee required under paragraph (1)(a) shall be—

(a) where the application is for the grant of an amusement permit for the purposes of Article 108(1)(c), a fee of £32; or

(b) where the application is for the grant of an amusement permit for the purposes of Article 108(1)(ca), such fee as may be fixed annually by the district council for the whole of its district, not exceeding—

(i) £250; or

(ii) the rate mentioned in paragraph (1C) whichever is the less.

(1C) The rate referred to in paragraph (1B)(b)(ii) is such rate as the district council reasonably considers necessary to balance its income and expenditure in connection with such amusement permits.]

(2) Subject to[F36 paragraphs (3) to (4B)], where an application is made for the grant of an amusement permit, the district council, after hearing representations, if any, from the sub-divisional commander upon whom notice is required by paragraph (1) to be served,—

(a) may grant the amusement permit; or

(b) may refuse to grant the amusement permit.

[F36 (2A) Where a district council grants an amusement permit under paragraph (2), the council shall state in the permit whether it is granted for the purposes of Article 108(1)(c) or (ca).]

(3) A district council shall refuse an application for the grant of an amusement permit, unless it is satisfied—

(a) in a case where there is in force a resolution passed by the council as mentioned in Article 110(2)(a) or (b) which is applicable to the premises to which the application relates, that the grant of the permit will not contravene that resolution; and

(b) that the applicant is a fit person to hold an amusement permit; and

(c) that the applicant will not allow the business proposed to be carried on under the amusement permit to be managed by, or carried on for the benefit of, a person other than the applicant who would himself be refused the grant of an amusement permit; and

(d) F37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F36 (e) that, where the application is for the grant of an amusement permit for the purposes of Article 108(1)(ca), the premises for which the permit is sought are premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements by means of gaming machines.]

(4) Without prejudice to its power to refuse to grant an application for an amusement permit on any ground, a district council may refuse to grant an amusement permit in respect of premises, other than premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements by means of gaming machines, if it is satisfied that, by reason of the purposes for which, or the persons by whom, or any circumstances in which the premises are or are to be used, it is undesirable that gaming machines should be used for providing amusements on those premises.

[F36 (4A) Where an application for the grant of an amusement permit for the purposes of Article 108(1)(ca) is made in respect of premises about which the district council is satisfied as mentioned in paragraph (3)(e) and in respect of which the applicant holds an amusement permit expressed to be granted for the purposes of Article 108(1)(c), the district council may only refuse to grant the permit if it would have grounds for refusing an application to renew the existing permit.

(4B) Where an application for the grant of an amusement permit for the purposes of Article 108(1)(c) is made in respect of premises in respect of which the applicant holds an amusement permit expressed to be granted for the purposes of Article 108(1)(ca), the district council may only refuse to grant the permit if it would have grounds for refusing an application to renew the existing permit were it expressed to be granted for the purposes of Article 108(1)(c).]

(5) A district council shall grant the amusement permit subject to the condition—

(a) that the premises are not to be used for an unlawful purpose or as a resort of persons of known bad character; and

(b) where there is in force a resolution passed by a district council as mentioned in Article 110(2)(c) which is applicable to the premises to which an application for the grant of an amusement permit relates, that the number of gaming machines which may be made available for gaming on the premises shall not exceed such number (being a number not exceeding the number specified in the resolution) as the council may determine.

(6) A district council may grant the amusement permit, subject to the condition—

(a) in the case of an amusement permit in respect of premises other than premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements by means of gaming machines, that the number of gaming machines which may be made available for gaming on the premises shall not exceed such number as the council may determine;

(b) in the case of an amusement permit in respect of premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements,—

(i) that the premises are illuminated in the manner specified by the council; or

(ii) that advertising of, and window displays on, the premises are in the form specified by the council; or

(iii) that such notices are displayed and such information given on the premises as the council specifies in relation to any condition to which the amusement permit is subject.

[F36 (6A) Without prejudice to any condition in paragraph (5)(a) or (6)(b), where a district council grants an amusement permit for the purposes of Article 108(1)(ca), it shall be subject to the conditions—

(a) in the case of premises where admission is restricted to persons aged 18 or over,—

(i) that no person under 18 is admitted to the premises; and

(ii) that at any entrance to, and inside any such premises there are prominently displayed notices indicating that access to the premises is prohibited to persons aged under 18; and

(b) in the case of premises where admission is not restricted to persons aged 18 or over—

(i) that any machine in respect of which the condition mentioned in Article 108(8) is observed is located in an area of the premises which is separated from the remainder of the premises by a physical barrier which is effective to prevent access otherwise than by means of an entrance designed for the purpose;

(ii) that only persons aged 18 or over are admitted to an area of the premises in which any such machine is located;

(iii) that access to an area of the premises in which any such machine is located is supervised;

(iv) that any area of the premises in which any such machine is located is so arranged as to permit all parts of it to be observed; and

(v) that at any entrance to, and inside any such area there are prominently displayed notices indicating that access to the area is prohibited to persons aged under 18.]

(7) The grant of an amusement permit shall not be invalidated by any failure to comply with paragraph (3)(a) or (5)(b) and no duty of a district council to comply with paragraph (3)(a) or (5)(b) shall be enforceable by legal proceedings.

(8) The Department may, by order subject to affirmative resolution, substitute for the fee specified in[F36 paragraph (1B)(a) or (b)(i)] such other fee as may be specified in the order.

F36 2004 NI 1

F37 Art. 111(3)(d) repealed (15.11.2010) by Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1254 (N.I. 9)), arts. 1(3), 63(2), Sch. 4 (with art. 62); S.R. 2010/328, art. 2

Grant of amusement permit conditional on alterations being made in premises N.I.

112.—(1) A district council which grants an amusement permit in respect of premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements may grant the amusement permit subject to the condition that, within a period fixed by the council the holder of the amusement permit—

(a) shall make such alterations in the premises as the council may specify, being alterations which the council thinks necessary to ensure that the lay-out, character or condition (including the provision in the premises of adequate sanitary appliances and things used in connection with such appliances) of the premises is suitable for use as premises in which amusements by way of gaming machines are provided; and

(b) shall deposit with the district council a plan of the premises showing the alterations so specified.

(2) Notice of any alteration required under paragraph (1) shall be served by the district council on the owner of the premises.

(3) The period fixed by a district council under paragraph (1) may be extended by the council on the application of the holder of the amusement permit.

(4) An amusement permit granted conditionally under this Article shall, unless cancelled, remain in force from the date on which it is granted until the expiration of the period fixed by the district council under paragraph (1) or any extended period and the district council shall note the date of that expiration on the amusement permit.

(5) A district council, on the application of the holder of an amusement permit, shall declare the grant of an amusement permit to be unconditional, if it is satisfied that alterations to the premises have been completed in accordance with the plans deposited with the district council under paragraph (1)(b) and the council shall amend the amusement permit accordingly.

Provisional grant of amusement permits N.I.

113.—(1) Where premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements are about to be constructed, altered or extended or are in the course of construction, alteration or extension, an application may be made by the person who proposes to be the occupier of the premises to the district council for the district in which the premises are or are to be situated for the provisional grant of an amusement permit for those premises.

(2) For the purposes of the provisional grant of an amusement permit Article 111 shall have effect as if—

(a) any reference to the grant of an amusement permit were a reference to the provisional grant of such a permit; and

(b) where the application relates to premises about to be constructed or in the course of construction, any reference to the premises for which an amusement permit is sought were a reference to the proposed premises F38 . . . .

(3) An amusement permit which is provisionally granted shall not authorise gaming by means of a gaming machine in accordance with the conditions specified in Article 108 until the grant of the amusement permit is declared final.

(4) Where an amusement permit has been granted provisionally for any premises, a district council, on the application of the holder of the amusement permit, shall, subject to paragraph (5), declare the grant of the amusement permit final, if it is satisfied that the premises have been completed F39 . . . .

(5) A district council shall not entertain an application made under paragraph (4) after the expiration of 2 years from the date on which the amusement permit was granted provisionally, unless the applicant satisfies the council that there were reasonable grounds for the failure to complete the construction, alteration or extension of the premises within that period.

(6) Where the provisional grant of an amusement permit is declared final, the district council shall note the declaration on the permit.

F38 Words in art. 113(2)(b) repealed (15.11.2010) by Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1254 (N.I. 9)), arts. 1(3), 63(2), Sch. 4 (with art. 62); S.R. 2010/328, art. 2

F39 Words in art. 113(4) repealed (15.11.2010) by Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1254 (N.I. 9)), arts. 1(3), 63(2), Sch. 4 (with art. 62); S.R. 2010/328, art. 2

Form and duration of amusement permits N.I.

114.—(1) An amusement permit shall be in such form as may be prescribed by regulations and shall specify—

(a) the name and address of the holder of the permit;

(b) the address of premises for which it is granted;

(c) the kind of premises;

(d) the name and address of the owner of the premises;

(e) such other matters as may be so prescribed.

(2) Subject to Article 112(4) and to the succeeding provisions of this Article, an amusement permit shall, unless cancelled, remain in force from the date on which it is granted until the expiration of a period of 12 months beginning with the first day of the month in which it is granted.

(3) Where a district council grants an amusement permit subject to a condition specified in Article 111(6) and the applicant for the grant appeals against the imposition of the condition—

(a) until the expiry of the time for bringing an appeal and, if an appeal is brought, until the appeal is disposed of or abandoned, the permit granted shall not come into force;

(b) if on appeal the condition is confirmed or varied or if the appeal is abandoned, for the purpose of determining the period for which the permit is to be in force the date when the appeal is disposed of or abandoned shall be substituted for the date on which the permit was granted and the district council shall (if necessary) amend the permit accordingly.

(4) Where an amusement permit granted conditionally is at any time declared unconditional paragraph (2) shall apply as if the permit were granted at that time.

(5) Where an amusement permit granted provisionally is at any time declared final paragraphs (2) and (3) shall apply as if the permit were granted at that time.

(6) Paragraph (2) shall not prejudice the operation of Article 116 under which an amusement permit may continue in force after the time when it would otherwise expire.

(7) Where at any time—

(a) the holder of an amusement permit dies or is adjudged bankrupt, or his business becomes vested in the official assignee (whether before or after his death) without his being so adjudged F40 ... or a receiver of his property or a committee or guardian is appointed with power to manage the business; or

(b) in the case of a body corporate, a winding-up is commenced or a receiver is appointed as aforesaid;

except for the purposes of the renewal of the amusement permit, the personal representative or, as the case requires, the assignees or trustee in bankruptcy, official assignee, F41 ... receiver, committee, guardian or liquidator shall be deemed to be the holder of the amusement permit and—

(i) subject to sub-paragraph (ii), the amusement permit shall, where it would otherwise expire under this Article or under Article 117 continue in force until the end of a period of 6 months from that time, unless cancelled;

(ii) a district council may, on the application of the person deemed to be the holder of the amusement permit, extend the period for which that permit continues to be in force by virtue of this paragraph if it is satisfied that no circumstances make it undesirable.

(8) Where the holder of an amusement permit dies and he has no personal representative or his personal representative is unwilling or unable to act, the permit shall, unless cancelled, continue in force for the benefit of any person entitled in consequence of his death to a beneficial interest in the business carried on under the permit until—

(a) the expiration of a period of 2 months from the date of his death, or

(b) paragraph (7) becomes applicable by reason of the appointment of a personal representative,

whichever first occurs.

(9) The authority conferred on any person by virtue of paragraph (7) or (8) to carry on a business under an amusement permit shall be suspended on the expiration of the period of 2 weeks from the date when he commenced to carry on that business unless during that period he has served notice that he is carrying on the business by virtue of that paragraph (and, if he is carrying it on by virtue of paragraph (7), the capacity in which he is doing so) upon—

(a) the district council for the district, and

(b) the sub-divisional commander of the police sub-division,

in which the premises in which the business authorised by the amusement permit is conducted are situated; but the authority, if so suspended, shall revive upon the service of such a notice.

[F42 (10) Where an application for the grant of an amusement permit for the purposes of Article 108(1)(ca) is made in respect of premises in respect of which there is in force an amusement permit expressed to be granted for the purposes of Article 108(1)(c), that permit shall remain in force, notwithstanding the expiration of the period of 12 months beginning with the first day of the month on which it was granted, until the district council grants or refuses to grant an amusement permit for the purposes of Article 108(1)(ca) in respect of those premises.

(11) Where an application for the grant of an amusement permit for the purposes of Article 108(1)(ca) is made in respect of premises in respect of which the applicant holds an amusement permit expressed to be granted for the purposes of Article 108(1)(c), that permit shall cease to have effect on the grant in respect of the premises to which the permit relates of an amusement permit expressed to be granted for the purposes of Article 108(1)(ca).

(12) Where an application for the grant of an amusement permit for the purposes of Article 108(1)(c) is made in respect of premises in respect of which the applicant holds an amusement permit expressed to be granted for the purposes of Article 108(1)(ca), that permit shall cease to have effect on the grant in respect of the premises to which the permit relates of an amusement permit expressed to be granted for the purposes of Article 108(1)(c).]

F40 Words in art. 114(7)(a) repealed (1.4.2016) by Insolvency (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (c. 2), s. 28(2), Sch. 4; S.R. 2016/203, art. 2

F41 Words in art. 114(7) repealed (1.4.2016) by Insolvency (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (c. 2), s. 28(2), Sch. 4; S.R. 2016/203, art. 2

F42 2004 NI 1

Renewal of amusement permits N.I.

115.—(1) An application for the renewal of an amusement permit in respect of any premises shall be made to the district council for the district in which the premises are situated and the applicant shall—

[F43 (a) attach to the application such fee as is specified in paragraph (1A); and]

(b) serve a copy of the application upon the sub-divisional commander of the police sub-division in which the premises are situated.

[F43 (1A) The fee required under paragraph (1)(a) shall be—

(a) where the application is for the renewal of an amusement permit expressed to be granted for the purposes of Article 108(1)(c), a fee of £32; or

(b) where the application is for the renewal of an amusement permit expressed to be granted for the purposes of Article 108(1)(ca), such fee as may be fixed annually by the district council for the whole of its district not exceeding—

(i) £250; or

(ii) the rate mentioned in paragraph (1B) whichever is the less.

(1B) The rate referred to in paragraph (1A)(b)(ii) is such rate as the district council reasonably considers necessary to balance its income and expenditure in connection with such amusement permits.]

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), where application is made for the renewal of an amusement permit in respect of premises other than premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements, the district council, after hearing representations, if any, from the sub-divisional commander upon whom notice is required by paragraph (1) to be served,—

(a) may renew the amusement permit; or

(b) may refuse to renew the amusement permit.

(3) A district council shall refuse an application for the renewal of an amusement permit in respect of premises other than premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements unless it is satisfied—

(a) in a case where there is in force a resolution passed by the council as mentioned in Article 110(2)(b) which is applicable to the premises to which the application relates, that the renewal of the permit will not contravene that resolution; and

(b) that the applicant is a fit person to hold an amusement permit; and

(c) that the applicant has not allowed the business carried on under the amusement permit to be managed by, or carried on for the benefit of, a person other than the applicant, who would himself be refused the grant of an amusement permit; and

(d) F44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) Without prejudice to its power to refuse to renew an application for an amusement permit on any ground, a district council may refuse to renew an amusement permit in respect of premises, other than premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements, if it is satisfied—

(a) that, by reason of the purposes for which, or the persons by whom, or any circumstances in which the premises are or are to be used, it is undesirable that gaming machines should be used for providing amusements on those premises; or

(b) that, since the last previous renewal of the permit (or, where the renewal applied for is the first renewal of the permit, since the permit was granted), the premises have been used for an unlawful purpose or as a resort of persons of known bad character.

(5) Where application is made for the renewal of an amusement permit in respect of premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements, the district council, after hearing representations, if any, from the sub-divisional commander upon whom notice is required by paragraph (1) to be served, shall renew the permit unless it is satisfied—

(a) that the applicant is not a fit person to hold an amusement permit; or

(b) that the applicant has allowed the business carried on under the amusement permit to be managed by, or carried on for the benefit of, a person other than the applicant, who would himself be refused the grant of an amusement permit; or

(c) F45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(d) that[F43 , while the amusement permit has been in force,] the council has been refused reasonable facilities to inspect the premises; or

[F43 (da) that, where the amusement permit is expressed to be granted for the purposes of Article 108(1)(ca), either of the conditions specified in Article 111(6A)(a) or, as the case may be, any of the conditions specified in Article 111(6A)(b) has not been complied with to the satisfaction of the council; or]

(e) that, having regard to the conditions or manner in which gaming machines have been used on the premises, or any other amusements have been provided or conducted on the premises since the permit was granted it is undesirable that gaming machines should be used for providing amusements on those premises; or

(f) that, since the last previous renewal of the permit (or, where the renewal applied for is the first renewal of the permit, since the permit was granted), the premises have been used for an unlawful purpose or as a resort of persons of known bad character.

(6) A district council shall renew the amusement permit subject to the condition—

(a) that the premises are not to be used for an unlawful purpose or as a resort of persons of known bad character; and

(b) where there is in force a resolution passed by a district council as mentioned in Article 110(2)(c) which is applicable to the premises to which an application for the renewal of an amusement permit relates, that the number of gaming machines which may be made available for gaming on the premises shall not exceed such number (being a number not exceeding the number specified in the resolution) as the council may determine.

(7) A district council may renew the amusement permit, subject to the condition—

(a) in the case of an amusement permit in respect of premises other than premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements by means of gaming machines, that the number of gaming machines which may be made available for gaming on the premises shall not exceed such number as the council may determine;

(b) in the case of an amusement permit in respect of premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements—

(i) that the premises are illuminated in the manner specified by the council; or

(ii) that advertising of, and window displays on, the premises are in the form specified by the council; or

(iii) that such notices are displayed and such information given on the premises as the council specifies in relation to any condition to which the amusement permit is subject.

[F43 (7A) Without prejudice to any condition in paragraph (6)(a) or (7)(b), a district council shall renew an amusement permit expressed to be granted for the purposes of Article 108(1)(ca) subject to the conditions—

(a) in the case of premises where admission is restricted to persons aged 18 or over—

(i) that no person under 18 is admitted to the premises; and

(ii) that at any entrance to, and inside any such premises there are prominently displayed notices indicating that access to the premises is prohibited to persons aged under 18; and

(b) in the case of premises where admission is not restricted to persons aged 18 or over—

(i) that any machine in respect of which the condition mentioned in Article 108(8) is observed is located in an area of the premises which is separated from the remainder of the premises by a physical barrier which is effective to prevent access otherwise than by means of an entrance designed for the purpose;

(ii) that only persons aged 18 or over are admitted to an area of the premises in which any such machine is located;

(iii) that access to an area of the premises in which any such machine is located is supervised;

(iv) that any area of the premises in which any such machine is located is so arranged as to permit all parts of it to be observed; and

(v) that at any entrance to, and inside any such area there are prominently displayed notices indicating that access to the area is prohibited to persons aged under 18.]

(8) The renewal of an amusement permit shall not be invalidated by any failure to comply with paragraph (3)(a) or (6)(b), and no duty of a district council to comply with paragraph (3)(a) or (6)(b) shall be enforceable by legal proceedings.

(9) The Department may, by order subject to affirmative resolution, substitute for[F43 the fee specified in paragraph (1A)(a) or (b)(i) such other fee as may be specified in the order].

F43 2004 NI 1

F44 Art. 115(3)(d) repealed (15.11.2010) by Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1254 (N.I. 9)), arts. 1(3), 63(2), Sch. 4 (with art. 62); S.R. 2010/328, art. 2

F45 Art. 115(5)(c) repealed (15.11.2010) by Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1254 (N.I. 9)), arts. 1(3), 63(2), Sch. 4 (with art. 62); S.R. 2010/328, art. 2

Continuance of amusement permits pending determination of appeal N.I.

116.  Where a district council refuses to renew an amusement permit and the holder of the permit appeals the amusement permit shall, unless it is cancelled, continue in force until the appeal is determined or abandoned.

Duration of renewed amusement permits N.I.

117.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), on the renewal of an amusement permit, it shall, unless cancelled, remain in force until the expiration of a period of 12 months beginning with the day when it would, if it had not been renewed, otherwise have expired.

(2) Paragraph (1) shall not prejudice the operation of[F46 Articles 114(7), (8) and (10)] and 116 under which an amusement permit may continue in force after the time when it would otherwise expire.

(3) Where, in the case of an amusement permit which is not subject to a condition specified in Article 111(6), the district council renews that permit subject to a condition specified in Article 115(7) and the holder of the permit appeals against the imposition of the condition, the condition shall not take effect until the appeal is determined or abandoned.

F46 2004 NI 1

Certain amusement premises to close at certain hours N.I.

118.—(1) A district council may require premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements situated in its district for which an amusement permit is in force to close at such hour in the evening as the council may determine not being earlier than half past 10.

(2) A district council shall not impose a requirement under paragraph (1) unless—

(a) it is satisfied that the premises have been conducted in such a manner as to cause disturbance to persons residing in the vicinity of the premises; and

(b) it has consulted the sub-divisional commander of the police sub-division in which the premises are situated.

(3) Where a district council imposes a requirement under paragraph (1) it may revoke that requirement at any time.

(4) Where a district council imposes a requirement under paragraph (1) and the holder of the amusement permit appeals the requirement shall not take effect until the appeal is determined or abandoned.

Appeals in relation to amusement permits N.I.

119.—(1) Not less than 14 days before a district council—

(a) refuses to grant, or renew, an amusement permit; or

(b) grants an amusement permit subject to a condition specified in Article 111(6) or renews an amusement permit subject to a condition specified in Article 115(7); or

(c) imposes a requirement under Article 118;

the council shall serve notice of its intention to so refuse, grant, renew or impose the requirement on the applicant or, as the case may be, the holder of the amusement permit.

(2) Every such notice shall state the grounds on which the district council intends to so refuse, grant, renew or impose the requirement under Article 118 and shall contain an intimation that if, within 14 days after the service of the notice, the applicant or, as the case may be, the holder of the amusement permit informs the council in writing of his desire to show cause, in person or by a representative, why the application should not be refused or granted or renewed subject to a condition or the requirement not imposed, as the case may require, the council shall, before so refusing, granting, renewing or imposing the requirement, afford him an opportunity to do so.

(3) If the district council, after giving the applicant or, as the case may be, the holder of the amusement permit an opportunity of being heard by it, decides to refuse the application or to grant or renew the application subject to a condition or to impose a requirement under Article 118, it shall serve notice of the decision on the applicant or, as the case may be, the holder of the amusement permit, and such notice shall inform him of his right to appeal under paragraph (4) and of the time within which the appeal may be brought.

(4) A person aggrieved by a decision refusing an application for the grant or renewal of an amusement permit, or granting such an application subject to a condition specified in Article 111(6), or renewing such an application subject to a condition specified in Article 115(7) or imposing a requirement under Article 118 may, within 21 days from the date on which notice of the decision is served on him, appeal to the county court.

(5) The decision of a county court on an appeal brought under paragraph (4) shall be final, and the district council shall give effect to that decision.

Offences in connection with amusement permits N.I.

120.—(1) Where a condition to which an amusement permit is subject is contravened or a requirement imposed under Article 118 is contravened the holder of the amusement permit shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) In any proceedings for an offence under paragraph (1), it shall be a defence for the holder of the amusement permit to prove—

(a) that the contravention occurred without his knowledge, and

(b) that he exercised all such care as was reasonable in the circumstances to secure that the provisions in question would not be contravened.

Cancellation of amusement permit by a court N.I.

121.—(1) Where the holder of an amusement permit is convicted of—

(a) an offence under Article 120; or

(b) any offence involving fraud or dishonesty;

the court by which he is convicted may cancel the permit.

(2) The cancellation of a permit under paragraph (1) shall not take effect—

(a) until the end of the period within which the holder of the amusement permit can appeal against his conviction or against the cancellation, and

(b) if he so appeals, until the appeal has been determined or abandoned.

(3) An amusement permit which has been cancelled by a court shall be void.

Gaming machines at exempt entertainments N.I.

Use of gaming machines at exempt entertainments N.I.

122.—(1) The conditions set out in paragraph (2) shall be observed where a gaming machine is used for gaming as an incident of any exempt entertainment which takes place elsewhere than on—

(a) bingo club premises; or

(b) the premises of a registered club.

(2) The conditions referred to in paragraph (1) are—

(a) the whole proceeds of the entertainment (including the proceeds from the use of the gaming machine), after deducting, subject to paragraph (9), the expenses of the entertainment, shall be devoted to purposes other than private gain; and

(b) that the facilities for winning prizes by means of the gaming machine, or those facilities together with any other facilities for participating in lotteries or gaming shall not be the only, or the only substantial, inducement to persons to attend the entertainment.

(3) Regulations may impose such restrictions (in addition to those specified in paragraph (2)) as the Department may consider necessary or expedient with respect to the use of any gaming machine for gaming as an incident of an exempt entertainment as mentioned in paragraph (1).

(4) The person who organises the exempt entertainment shall—

(a) make, and keep for a period of at least 18 months, records and accounts relating to that entertainment;

(b) record in those accounts the purposes for which the proceeds of the entertainment are to be applied; and

(c) inform all potential participants of those purposes.

(5) Any person who organises an exempt entertainment at which a gaming machine is to be used for gaming shall, not less than 7 days before the date on which the entertainment is to take place, serve notice of the entertainment upon the sub-divisional commander of the police sub-division in which the premises where the entertainment is to take place are situated.

(6) Where any of the provisions of this Article or of any regulations made under this Article is contravened in relation to an exempt entertainment, every person concerned in the conduct of that entertainment shall be guilty of an offence.

(7) In any proceedings for an offence under paragraph (6) it shall be a defence for any person charged to prove that the contravention occurred without his consent or connivance and that he exercised due diligence to prevent it.

(8) Where any of the provisions of this Article is contravened in relation to a gaming machine, then (without prejudice to any liability of any other person under paragraph (6)) any person who, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that the provisions in question would be contravened in relation to the gaming machine, supplied the gaming machine shall be guilty of an offence.

(9) The reference to expenses in paragraph (2)(a) shall not include a reference to any charge mentioned in Article 2(9) and falling to be determined as there mentioned.

Miscellaneous N.I.

Removal of money from gaming machines on certain premises N.I.

123.—(1) Where a gaming machine is installed—

(a) on bingo club premises, or

(b) on the premises of a registered club;

no person who is not an authorised person for the purposes of this Article shall remove from the gaming machine any money, other than any money delivered by the gaming machine as, or as part of, a prize in respect of a game played by means of the gaming machine.

(2) For the purposes of this Article the following are authorised persons in relation to a gaming machine according to the premises on which it is installed, that is to say—

(a) in the case of bingo club premises, the holder of the bingo club licence and any person employed by the holder of the licence in connection with the premises and authorised in writing by such holder; and

(b) in the case of the premises of a registered club, any officer nominated by the club and any person authorised in writing by such officer.

(3) Any person who contravenes this Article shall be guilty of an offence.

Regulation of gaming machines N.I.

124.—(1) Regulations may—

(a) prohibit, or impose such restrictions as the Department considers necessary or expedient on the supply, maintenance or use of gaming machines;

(b) impose special requirements in respect of gaming machines which are installed, or are supplied for the purpose of being installed—

(i) on bingo club premises; or

(ii) on the premises of a registered club;

(c) impose restrictions on the design of gaming machines.

(2) Any person who supplies or maintains a gaming machine in contravention of any regulations made under paragraph (1) shall be guilty of an offence.

(3) Where a gaming machine is used in contravention of any regulations under paragraph (1) on any premises—

(a) in the case of a registered club, every officer of the club, or

(b) in the case of bingo club premises, the holder of the bingo club licence, or

(c) in the case of any other premises, the person who causes or permits the machine to be used,

shall be guilty of an offence.

(4) Where any of the provisions of regulations made under paragraph (1) in so far as they relate to the use of gaming machines is contravened in relation to a gaming machine on any premises, any person who allowed the gaming machine to be on the premises shall be guilty of an offence.

(5) In any proceedings for an offence under paragraph (4) it shall be a defence for any person charged to prove—

(a) that the contravention occurred without his knowledge, and

(b) that he exercised all such care as was reasonable in the circumstances to secure that the provisions in question would not be contravened.

Disqualification of holder of gaming machine certificate or gaming machine permit on conviction of offence N.I.

125.—(1) Where a holder of a gaming machine certificate or a gaming machine permit is convicted of—

(a) an offence under this Chapter; or

(b) any offence involving fraud or dishonesty;

the court by which he is convicted may make a disqualification order prohibiting him from holding a gaming machine certificate or, as the case may be, a gaming machine permit during such period, not exceeding 5 years from the date on which the order takes effect, as may be specified in the order.

(2) Where a disqualification order under paragraph (1) is made any gaming machine certificate or, as the case may be, gaming machine permit within the prohibition obtained before the order is made or before it takes effect shall by virtue of the order be void as from the time when the order takes effect.

(3) A disqualification order under paragraph (1) shall not take effect—

(a) until the expiry of the time for bringing an appeal against the conviction or against the making of the order, and

(b) if such an appeal is brought, until the appeal has been determined or abandoned.

CHAPTER IV N.I. GAMING AT ENTERTAINMENTS NOT HELD FOR PRIVATE GAIN

Gaming at entertainments not held for private gain N.I.

126.—(1) This Article applies to gaming, other than—

(a) gaming on bingo club premises,

(b) gaming by means of a gaming machine, or

(c) gaming which constitutes the provision of amusements with prizes as mentioned in Article 153 or 154,

which consists of games played at an entertainment promoted otherwise than for purposes of private gain.

(2) Article 55 shall have effect in relation to gaming to which this Article applies as it has effect in relation to gaming to which Chapter I applies.

(3) In respect of all games played at the entertainment which constitute gaming to which this Article applies, not more than 1 payment (whether by way of entrance fee or stake or otherwise) shall be made by each player, and no such payment shall exceed[F47 £4].

(4) Subject to paragraphs (10) and (11), the total value of all prizes and awards distributed in respect of those games shall not exceed[F47 £400].

(5) The whole of the proceeds of such payments as are mentioned in paragraph (3), after deducting sums lawfully appropriated on account of expenses or for the provision of prizes or awards in respect of the games, shall be applied for purposes other than private gain.

(6) The sum appropriated out of those proceeds in respect of expenses shall not—

(a) exceed the reasonable cost incurred in the provision of the facilities for the purposes of the games;

(b) include any charge mentioned in Article 2(9) and falling to be determined as there mentioned.

(7) Regulations may impose such restrictions (in addition to those specified in paragraphs (2) to (6)) as the Department may consider necessary or expedient with respect to gaming to which this Article applies.

(8) The person who organises the entertainment shall—

(a) make, and keep for a period of at least 18 months, records and accounts relating to that entertainment;

(b) record in those accounts the purposes for which the proceeds of the entertainment are to be applied; and

(c) inform all potential participants of those purposes.

(9) Any person who organises an entertainment at which gaming to which this Article applies is to be played shall, not less than 7 days before the date on which the entertainment is to take place, serve notice of the entertainment upon the sub-divisional commander of the police sub-division in which the place or premises where the entertainment is to take place is or are situated.

(10) Where 2 or more entertainments are promoted on the same premises by the same persons on the same day, paragraphs (3) to (6) shall have effect in relation to those entertainments collectively as if they were a single entertainment.

(11) Where a series of entertainments is held otherwise than as mentioned in paragraph (10)—

(a) paragraphs (3) to (6) shall have effect separately in relation to each entertainment in the series, whether some or all of the persons taking part in any 1 of those entertainments are thereby qualified to take part in any other of them or not, and

(b) if each of the persons taking part in the games played at the final entertainment of the series is qualified to do so by reason of having taken part in the games played at another entertainment of the series held on a previous day, paragraph (4) shall have effect in relation to that final entertainment as if for[F47 £400] there were substituted[F47 £700].

(12) If any gaming takes place in contravention of any of the provisions of this Article or of any regulations made under this Article, every person concerned in the organisation or management of the gaming shall be guilty of an offence.

(13) For the purposes of paragraph (12) any person who takes part in procuring the assembly of the players shall be taken to be concerned in the organisation of the gaming.

(14) Without prejudice to paragraphs (12) and (13), where any gaming takes place on any premises, or in any vessel or vehicle, in contravention of any of the provisions of this Article or of any regulations made under this Article, any person who, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that the premises, vessel or vehicle would be used for gaming in contravention of any of those provisions,—

(a) allowed the premises, vessel or vehicle to be used for the purpose of gaming, or

(b) let, or let on hire, the premises, vessel or vehicle, or otherwise made the premises, vessel or vehicle available, to any person by whom an offence under paragraph (12) is committed in connection with the gaming,

shall be guilty of an offence.

(15) The Department may, by order subject to affirmative resolution, substitute, in relation to entertainments held on or after the date on which the order comes into operation, for any amount in this Article such other amount as may be specified in the order.

F47 SR 2001/414

Prohibition on clubs on conviction of offence N.I.

127.—(1) Where a person is convicted of an offence under Article 126(12) or (14) committed in respect of the premises of a club, the court by which he is convicted may make an order prohibiting—

(a) that club from being used for the purposes of an entertainment at which gaming to which Article 126 applies takes place; and

(b) that club from making any daily charge under Article 128;

during such period, not exceeding 5 years from the date on which the order takes effect, as may be specified in the order.

(2) An order made under paragraph (1) shall not take effect—

(a) until the expiry of the time within which the person on whose conviction the order was made can bring an appeal against his conviction or against the making of the order, and

(b) if an appeal is brought, until the appeal has been determined or abandoned.

(3) Where the person on whose conviction an order may be made under paragraph (1) is not an officer of the club, a court shall not make the order under paragraph (1) unless an opportunity has been given to such an officer and applying to be heard by the court to show cause why the order should not be made.

(4) A court which makes an order under paragraph (1), may, on the application of an officer of the club,—

(a) revoke the order; or

(b) vary the order by reducing any period of prohibition specified in it.

(5) An application under paragraph (4) shall not be made during the period of 6 months from the date on which—

(a) the order under paragraph (1) takes effect; or

(b) a previous application under paragraph (4) was made to the court.

(6) An applicant under paragraph (4) shall serve on the sub-divisional commander of the police sub-division in which the club to which the application relates is situated notice of the application under that paragraph.

CHAPTER V N.I. MISCELLANEOUS AND SUPPLEMENTARY

Special charges for play at certain clubs N.I.

128.—(1) This Article applies to gaming which—

(a) is carried on as one of the activities of a club whether or not there is in force in respect of the club a bingo club licence or the club is a registered club; and

(b) is gaming in respect of which none of the conditions specified in Article 55 is fulfilled.

(2 )F48  Subject to the following provisions of this Article, nothing in Article 56 or 76 shall have effect so as to prevent a charge from being made in respect of any person for the right to take part in gaming to which this Article applies, if the charge or (if more than 1) the aggregate amount of the charges made in respect of that person for the right to take part in such gaming on any 1 day does not exceed[F49 £0.60].

(3) The Department may, by order subject to affirmative resolution,—

(a) substitute for the sum in paragraph (2) such other sum as may be specified in the order;

(b) in the case of gaming which consists exclusively of such game or games as the order may specify, and which takes place on a day on which the premises used therefor are not used for any other gaming, or for any other gaming except gaming by means of a gaming machine, specify a sum greater than that applicable in all other cases.

(4) Any such charge as is mentioned in paragraph (2) may be made in addition to any stakes hazarded in the gaming.

(5) In this Article “club” means a club which—

(a) has not less than 25 members; and

(b) is so constituted and conducted, in respect of membership and otherwise, as not to be of a temporary character.

F48 mod. by SR 1987/186

F49 SR 2001/414

Eviction of tenant permitting premises to be used for gaming N.I.

129.—(1) Where the tenant or occupier of any premises is convicted of an offence under Article 59(3), 95(2) or 126(14) of allowing the premises to be used for the purpose of gaming, Schedule 15 shall apply to enlarge the rights of the lessor or landlord with respect to the assignment or determination of the lease or other contract under which the premises are held by the person convicted.

(2) Where the tenant or occupier of any premises is so convicted and either—

(a) the lessor or landlord, after having the conviction brought to his notice, fails to exercise his statutory rights in relation to the lease or contract under which the premises are held by the person convicted; or

(b) the lessor or landlord, after exercising his statutory rights so as to determine that lease or contract, grants a new lease or enters into a new contract of tenancy of the premises to, with or for the benefit of the same person, without having all reasonable provisions to prevent the recurrence of the offence inserted in the new lease or contract;

then, if subsequently an offence under any of the provisions mentioned in paragraph (1) is committed in respect of the premises during the subsistence of the lease or contract referred to in sub-paragraph (a) or (where sub-paragraph (b) applies) during the subsistence of the new lease or contract, the lessor or landlord shall be deemed to be a party to that offence unless he shows that he took all reasonable steps to prevent the recurrence of the offence.

(3) References in paragraph (2) to the statutory rights of a lessor or landlord refer to his rights under Schedule 15.

Restrictions on advertisements relating to gaming N.I.

130.—(1) Except as provided by this Article, no person shall issue, or cause to be issued, any advertisement—

(a) informing the public that any premises in Northern Ireland are premises on which gaming takes place or is to take place, or

(b) inviting the public to take part as players in any gaming which takes place, or is to take place, on any such premises, or to apply for information about facilities for taking part as players in any gaming which takes place, or is to take place, in Northern Ireland, or

(c) inviting the public to subscribe any money or money's worth to be used in gaming whether in Northern Ireland or elsewhere, or to apply for information about facilities for subscribing any money or money's worth to be so used,

and, subject to paragraph (6), any person who contravenes this paragraph shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to any advertisement in so far as it relates to gaming which is, or is to be,—

(a) gaming by way of gaming machine at exempt entertainments to which Article 122 applies; or

(b) gaming at entertainments to which Article 126 applies; or

(c) gaming by way of gaming machine on premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements by means of gaming machines in respect of which an amusement permit is in force; or

(d) gaming at any travelling showmen's pleasure fair[F50 or]

[F50 (e) gaming in the form of playing bingo.]

.

[F50 (3) Paragraph (1) does not apply to the publication or display of a notice, where the notice is required to be published or displayed by any provision of Schedules 9 to 14 and the publication or display is so made as to comply with the requirements of that provision.]

Para. (4) rep. by 2004 NI 1

(5) Where a person is charged with an offence under this Article it shall be a defence to prove that he is a person whose business it is to publish or arrange for the publication of advertisements and that he received the advertisement in question for publication in the ordinary course of business and did not know and had no reason to suspect that its publication would amount to an offence under this Article.

(6) For the purposes of this Article an advertisement issued by displaying or exhibiting it shall be treated as issued on every day on which it is displayed or exhibited.

Para. (7) rep. by 2004 NI 1

(8) In this Article—

• “advertisement” includes every form of advertising, whether in a publication or by the display of notices or by means of circulars or other documents or by an exhibition of photographs or a cinematograph film, or by way of sound broadcasting or television,[F51 or by inclusion in any programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990) other than a sound or television broadcasting service,] and references to the issue of an advertisement shall be construed accordingly;

• “the public” means the public in Northern Ireland, and includes any section of the public, however selected.

F50 2004 NI 1

F51 1990 c. 42