A licence is required to take or kill game and to deal in game.

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 1959.

Two licences required to trade in certain game species. A council licence and an excise 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 licences are obtained from the post office at a cost of £4.00; 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.

Copies of the Game Act 1831 and Game Licences Act 1860 can be purchased from Her Majesty's Stationery Office.

08:45 - 17:15 Monday to Thursday

08:45 - 16:45 Friday

Closed Weekends and Bank Holidays

Out of Hours Emergency Contact 01249 706111

Community & Environment

North Wiltshire District Council

Monkton Park

Chippenham

Wiltshire

SN15 1ER