Licence 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, Armagh City and District 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
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
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 eg 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.
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, Armagh City and District 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?
Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period
or
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.
Apply online
Forms to download, print and post
Application for Amusement Permit
Voluntary Code of Conduct
Failed Application Redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
If an application for a permit or renewal is refused the applicant has 21 days from the date of the decision notice to appeal to the local county court.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
If a permit holder wishes to appeal against a condition they may appeal to the local county court within 21 days of the decision notice.
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you – preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other Redress
eg about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another.
Trade Associations
None
