Members' clubs

Members' clubs must have at least 25 members and be established and conducted 'wholly or mainly' for purposes other than gaming, unless the gaming is bridge or whist clubs.

A club must be permanent in nature, not established to make commercial profit, and controlled by its members equally.

Under the Gambling Act, clubs do not have to have an alcohol licence to apply for a permit. Licensing Officers should be aware that there are differences in the definitions of clubs between alcohol and gambling legislation. Examples include working men's clubs, branches of the Royal British Legion and clubs with political affiliations.