Licensing authorities may issue licensed premises gaming machine permits for any number of category C or D machines in licensed premises. Where a permit authorises the making available of a specified number of gaming machines in particular premises, this will effectively replace, and not be in addition to any automatic entitlement to two machines under section 282.
The detail of how to apply for licensed premises gaming machine permits is set out in schedule 13 of the Act.
Holders of alcohol-licensed premises gaming machine permits and club permits will be required to comply with a code of practice, which has been drawn up by the Gambling Commission (“the Commission”) on the location and operation of machines. Information about this code can be found on the Commission’s website: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
Application process for licensed premises gaming machine permit
Applications must be made by a person or organisation who holds the premises licence authorising the sale of alcohol on the premises for which the application is made.
An application can only be made if there is not currently a premises licence under the Gambling Act in effect at the premises concerned.
In determining the application, the authority must have regard to the licensing objectives and to the statutory guidance issued by the Commission. The authority may also take account of any other matters which are considered relevant to the application. The application does not require the authority to notify the Commission or Police before determination of the application.
The authority may grant or refuse the application. In granting the application the authority may vary the number and category of gaming machines authorised by the permit. If the authority issues the permit they must issue the permit as soon as possible after that.
The licensing authority may not attach conditions to a permit.
