Gibraltar legal challenge to be heard next week

According to Olswang International legal firm, the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Commission (GBGC) will have its legal challenge against the soon to be imposed UK Place of Consumption tax heard by the British High Court on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 September 2014.

At this hearing the GBGA will argue that the place of consumption licensing regime is:

–   An illegitimate and disproportionate interference with the right to free movement of services under Article 56 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union;
–   Discriminatory in breach of European law; and
–   Irrational.

Head of Public Law at Olswang, Dan Tench said: “Our client is pleased that the Judge has recognised the strength of our claim, and has taken very sensible steps to ensure this is heard expeditiously before the
regime is due to come into force. This is absolutely essential not only because we believe that this regime falls foul of European law but also because of the severe risk of detriment of consumers arising from the new law.”

The Gambling Commission is reportedly considering 161 applications for licences under the new regime.