Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit

Applicants are strongly urged to complete online applications as the default position. Post is not being opened as frequently, therefore applications posted to us may not be received or considered promptly. Should you be making a representation to an application please email this to us. The licensing team can be contacted at licensing@spelthorne.gov.uk or 01784 444213 option 3.

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 this permit applies 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.

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