Licensed premises gaming machine permit
The Government’s aim is for gaming machines to only be in premises where
children's access is controlled.
Only premises where alcohol sales are not ancillary to other activities
are eligible to obtain licensed premises gaming machine permits.
The purpose is to ensure that premises that provide gaming machines
do not allow unaccompanied children on to the premises.
Who does this permit apply to?
A Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit applies to premises with a
Licensing Act 2003 on-premises alcohol licence which contains a bar at which alcohol is served, but
without a requirement that alcohol is served only with food and only at a time when alcohol may be sold
in reliance on the LA 2003 Premises Licence.
The Gambling Act provides an automatic entitlement to make available
two gaming machines of Categories C or D
for use in appropriate premises licensed
under the Licensing Act 2003.
To take advantage of this entitlement, the Premises Licence Holder must
give notice to the Council of their intention to make gaming machines available for use, and must pay
the prescribed fee (please see the Fees heading below).
More than two machines
Relevant premises may also apply for a permit to provide a greater number
of machines. This means obtaining a Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit from the Council.
A Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit allows any number of Category C or D machines to be
provided in licensed premises.
Where such a Permit is granted, it will effectively replace any automatic
entitlement to two machines as described above.
Transitional arrangements
Up to 31 August 2007, you may apply to renew your existing Section 34
Permit, or for a first Permit, in the normal way with the Council.
Your existing Permit will continue to have effect after1 September 2007
as if it were a Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit issued under the Act.
Timelines for new arrangements
After 1 September 2007, the following arrangements will apply:
- up to two gaming machines: pubs will have an automatic entitlement
to two gaming machines, subject to a simple notification procedure. You should make this notification
to us prior to the expiry of your existing permit
- more than two gaming machines: pubs which want to offer more than two gaming
machines will need to apply to us for a Licensed Premises Gaming Permit. You should apply at least two
months before the date your Section 34 Permit is due to expire.