Game dealing licence
The current system for licensing those who kill or deal in game
originated in the Game Act 1831 (1832 in Scotland) and the Game
Licences Act 1860.The licence to kill game is closely linked to the
licence to deal in game and together they control the buying or
selling of game. A person with a licence to kill game may only sell
game to a person licensed to deal in game; a licensed game dealer
may only purchase game from someone holding a full annual licence
to kill game; and a person, other than a licensed game dealer, may
only buy game from a person licensed to deal in game.
Licence to Kill Game
The Game Act 1831 (1832 in Scotland) and the Game Licences Act
1860 make it an offence for a person to kill or take or pursue game
(defined as pheasant, partridge, grouse, heath or moor game and
black game), woodcock, snipe and deer or rabbit (other than with
the landowner's permission) without a game licence. Licences
to kill game in Scotland are issued by post offices on behalf
of local authorities.
Gamekeeper's Licence
A gamekeeper's employer may obtain an annual gamekeepers
licence. This permits the gamekeeper to take or kill game on land
where his employer has the right to kill game. The licence is
transferable should a new gamekeeper be employed while it is still
valid, and only covers a person while they are employed as a
gamekeeper.
If a gamekeeper wishes to shoot game on land where his/her
employer does not have right to game, then he/she must obtain a
licence to kill game in their own name. Gamekeeper's licences are
issued by post offices in Scotland.
Licences to deal in game
The Game Act 1831 requires dealers to be licensed in England;
the Game Licences Act 1860 extends the provisions relating to the
sale of game to Wales and Scotland. The sale of venison is covered
by separate legislation under the Deer Act 1991 (England and Wales)
and the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996.
Two licences required to trade in certain game species.
Council licence
Council licences are obtained from the local authority and may
not be charged for, as local authorities are often content to
register dealers for public health purposes.
Excise licence
Excise licences can be obtained from the post office; it is a
condition of issue that a council licence be produced at the time
of application.
The Council licence will specify the business premises: an
excise licence is required for each one. Both licences expire on 31
July each year. The excise licence must be renewed; the council may
not require renewal of their licence, but this should be checked on
initial application.
Applying for a licence
To make an application for a game dealers licence, download an
application form:
Further Information
For further information on game dealing licences, contact
the Food/ Health & Safety Team on 01738 476476 or email FoodSafety@pkc.gov.uk
