Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How should adjoining bingo premises be separated?

The mandatory premises licence conditions for bingo premises restrict direct access from a bingo premises into a premises that is the subject of a casino, adult gaming centre, or betting premises licence. The licence conditions do not, however, require there to be no direct access from a bingo premises into another bingo premises.

Where a licensing authority receives applications that involve adjoining premises, each seeking a separate bingo premises licence, they must be satisfied that each area is a separate set of premises capable of being identified as such, notwithstanding the fact that direct access between separate bingo premises is not prevented by licence conditions. The Gambling Commission has given guidance in this area in Guidance to licensing authorities - May 2009

Where a licensing authority receives applications for other types of gambling premises adjoining bingo premises, they will need to ensure that direct access between the premises is prevented if the premises licence conditions require it. For example, an adult gaming centre premises adjoining a bingo premises would need to be properly separated in such a way that direct access is prevented. We have published guidance on direct access in such cases in Guidance to licensing authorities - May 2009.

Page last reviewed: January 2012