We all know that playing poker is a great way to pass the time but there is a need to follow the rules, not only of the game, but also unfortunately of the country as well. While it may seem as though the limitations placed on people or businesses being able to set up poker nights are frustrating, these rules are mainly set up for everyone’s benefit and to keep folk safe and secure.
A private club located in Reigate was recently shut-down for running a number of high-stake and popular commercial games. This came as a blow but not as much as the blow when the club was informed that it would not be entitled to reopen with a new name.
Poker fun has to be legal
The Full House Club, alternatively known as the Reigate Town Club, which has been located above a number of shops in Church Street ran into difficulties last November. The club was stripped of the private club premises licence and the gaming licence thanks to a decision made by the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council. The stripping of these licences took place after the club was investigated and raided by the Gambling Commission.
Members of the Full House Club decided to apply for a new licence to allow gaming to take place but it seemed that there was no agreement over what the licence should consist of. The members submitted plans to run as a club which stayed open until 8am every day where alcohol would be allowed to be sold until 5 in the morning at weekends.
This application was refused and although the possibilities of obtaining a limited licence were examined and considered, the application was refused. A full written judgment has not yet been issued but this is expected to follow shortly.