Amusement Permit

Amusement Permit summary
If you wish to operate an Amusement Arcade or Pleasure Fair you must obtain an amusement permit from the Council.

Generally there are two categories of permit:-

(1)    Article 108(1)(c) up to £8.00 maximum prize value payout  
Age limit - Access unrestricted (although Council asks operators to abide by a Voluntary Code of Conduct restricting access to persons aged 16 and over). Application Fee - £32.00.

(2)    Article 108(1)(ca) up to £25.00 maximum prize value payout
Age limit - Access 18 and over only. Application Fee - £250.00.

Please note that the application fee is non-returnable if the application is refused.
 
Eligibility Criteria
An amusement permit may be granted to an individual, to a body corporate which is registered under the companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, as amended or which is an existing company within the meaning of that Order, or to 2 or more persons carrying on business in partnership.

Where the applicant is a Company, Derry City Council will require the name, address and date of birth of the Company’s Directors, Executive Officers and those who have a financial interest in it.
 
Regulation Summary The Betting Gaming Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 can be found at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1985/1204/contents

Articles 109 – 121 deal with amusement permits
Application Evaluation Process
Applications for the Grant or Provisional Grant of a permit must include:

The Council requires two references. One of the references should be as to the applicant’s character and reputation; the other should be as to his/her financial standing. (The latter should preferably come from a professional person with knowledge of the applicant’s financial situation e.g. Bank Manager or Accountant).

A copy of planning approval for use of the premises as an amusement arcade is required. This is issued by the Planning Service and the applicant should consult directly with them to receive guidance on this matter. They can be contacted on Tel. (028) 7131 9900

Applications for the Grant, Provisional Grant or Renewal of a permit must be accompanied by the appropriate fee. GUIDANCE NOTES FOR APPLICANTS PDF

When applying for the INITIAL GRANT of an amusement permit, you must advertise in two local newspapers within 7 days of the date of the application. Please note that copies of the advertisements must be submitted to the Licensing Department, Derry City Council.

When applying for the RENEWAL of an amusement permit, advertising in the local press is not required

An inspection of the premises will be carried out by the Council before a new application can be approved. The Fire Risk Assessment in respect of the premises may be audited by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service prior to the application being approved.

All premises will be inspected by a Council Officer to ensure that the premises meet technical requirements before a permit can be renewed.

Where representations have been lodged as a result of the public notice placed in two local newspapers both the applicant and the person or persons making the representation will be given the opportunity to appear before the council.

Neither applicant nor the persons making such representations are obliged to appear however all representations will be considered by the Council when determining whether or not the licence should be renewed. Applicants will be made aware of any objections lodged at the earliest practical opportunity.
 
 Will Tacit Consent Apply?
The Police and the public all have a legitimate interest in the outcome of applications for the initial Grant or Provisional Grant of a permit, therefore to minimise the risk of a permit being granted inadvertently Tacit consent does not apply to these applications. It is in the public interest that such applications are fully processed before a permit can be issued.

Therefore, if a permit has not been granted you may not provide Amusements at the location in question until such times as the application is approved.

Tacit consent will only apply where a renewal application is received before the expiry date of the existing permit. This means the permit is deemed to remain in force beyond the expiry date of the previous permit until such times as the application is determined.

If you have not heard from the Council within a reasonable period, please contact us. Telephone the Licensing Officer on (028) 7137 6516, or email [email protected]

 Apply Online
Apply for Grant of Amusement Permit


Apply to renew your Amusement Permit
 
Forms available to Download, print and post
Voluntary Codes of Practice PDF


Guidance Notes PDF

Permit Conditions PDF
 
 Contact Details
Telephone: Licensing Officer:- (028) 7137 6516

Fax: (028) 7136 8536

E-mail: [email protected]
Licensing Section
City Secretary and Solicitors Department
Derry City Council
98 Strand Road
Derry/Londonderry
BT48 7NN
 
Failed Application Redress
Please contact Derry City Council in the first instance.

Where an application is refused the applicant may appeal to the county court.

This must be done within 21 days of the date the applicant has been notified of such a decision.

Applicants may also appeal any condition or restriction imposed on them by the permit. Again, this must be done within 21 days of receiving notification of the condition or restriction to the county court.
 
Licence Holder Redress
Applications are made to the City Council (see 'Apply online').

Please contact Derry City Council in the first instance.
 
Consumer Complaint  
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the permit holder by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery).
 
Other Redress
Any complaints concerning places with amusements, including complaints about breach of conditions of permit etc should be made directly to the Licensing Section, City Secretary and Solicitor’s Department. on (028) 7137 6516, or by emailing [email protected]
 
Useful links
Contact the local Court office: [email protected]

Northern Ireland Amusement Caterers Trade Association