Find out what a relevant gambling representation is and how to submit one to us.
Anyone can comment on a gambling application to support or object to it. This is also called 'making a representation'.
We publish all current gambling applications.
We can only consider relevant representations. A representation is relevant if it relates to the licensing objectives. These are:
For example, you can make a representation if you worry that granting an application will encourage children or vulnerable people to gamble. You need to tell us why you think that.
You cannot make a representation if you worry that granting an application will lower house prices. This is not relevant as it does not relate to one of the licensing objectives.
We will not consider representations that are:
Your representation must reach us before the 28-day notice period expires. We will not consider late representations.
You can check the date of an application on the current gambling applications page. You can also look at the site notice outside the premises which advertises the application.
When we organise a hearing, we will pass your name and address to them, along with a copy of your representation. We won’t pass on your phone number or e-mail address.
You can ask us to not pass on your details to the applicant. You need to tell us why in the application form. For example, if you are worried about intimidation or violence.
Asking us to withhold your personal details does not guarantee that we won’t pass them on. We will look at the evidence and make a decision. We will usually only withhold your personal details in exceptional situations.
If you don’t want to tell us your personal details, you can make a representation through a representative.
You can submit your representation online. You will need to register or log in to our customer portal to apply online.
You need to include:
We need your contact details so we can get in touch about your representation. If you don’t want the applicant to know your personal details, please explain why in your representation.
Submit your representation by e-mail to Licensing@torbay.gov.uk or by post to:
Licensing Department
Community and Customer Services
Torbay Council
Town Hall
Castle Circus
Torquay TQ1 3DR
If you do not want to make a representation yourself, you can ask someone to make the representation on your behalf. This person will be your representative.
We need to receive representations made by a representative within the 28 day notice period.
You could ask a local Councillor or any other recognised body or association. If you don't know who you can approach in your area, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.
If you have found a representative to make a representation on your behalf, you need to submit a letter of authorisation.
You must tell your representative:
The representative must write down the representation and include your reasons for making the representation. They must then send it to us.
If we need to get in touch about your representation, we will contact your representative. The Notice of Hearing and any decision letter will also be sent to your representative
We accept petitions. There are some important factors to consider when organising a petition:
The signatories must be aware that:
We usually treat a petition or pre-printed letter as one representation, even if a lot of people signed it. We encourage everyone signing the petition to also submit their own representation. This could have more impact than one petition.
We will only get in touch with the instigator. The instigator should inform everyone else about the hearing date and final outcome. At the hearing, the instigator will represent all the signatories and speak for them.
We will check your representation to make sure that it is relevant.
If the representation is not relevant, we will contact you and explain why.
If the representation is relevant, we will send a copy to the applicant.
If we receive relevant representations, we will organise a hearing for the application.
The hearing will take place before a Licensing Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee includes 3 Councillors from the Full Licensing Committee.
We will send a hearing notice to:
The notice explains:
We usually send the notice at least 10 days before the hearing. You need to respond to the hearing notice.
Everyone who has submitted a representation can talk to the Sub-Committee. The public can also attend the hearing, but they cannot talk to the Committee.
The hearing will discuss the objections to the application. You can only talk about the reasons you gave in your representation. All parties have 10 minutes to talk about their representations. If there are a lot of people, the committee may ask you to nominate a spokesperson. If you have a representative, they will speak for you. The committee may ask you questions directly, even if you have a representative.
You cannot ask questions to anyone else.
If you cannot attend the hearing, the committee will still look at your written representation.
The committee will usually announce their decision at the hearing. We will also send a written confirmation of the decision to all parties after the hearing.
If you not agree with the decision, you can appeal to the Magistrates Court.