Gambling licensing policy

In relation to applications or licences for Adult Gaming Centres, the Licensing Authority will specifically have regard to the need to protect children and vulnerable persons from harm or exploitation from gambling and will expect the applicant to satisfy the authority that there will be sufficient measures to ensure that children do not have access to the premises.

Accordingly, the Licensing Authority will give specific consideration to the following control measures:

• Implementation of proof of age schemes
• CCTV
• Supervision of entrances / machine areas
• Location of machines
• Physical separation of areas
• Location of entry
• Notices / signage
• Specific opening hours
• Staff training
• Measures in place for staff to recognise indications of problem gambling
• Measures to recognise and deal with children, including truants.

This list is not mandatory, nor exhaustive, and is merely indicative of example measures.

The holder of an Adult Gaming Centre premises licence that was issued before 13 July 2011 is entitled to make available four category B3/B4 gaming machines, or 20% of the total number of gaming machines, available for use on the premises whichever is the greater. An Adult Gaming Centre licence granted after 12 July 2011 may make available for use a number of category B machines not exceeding 20% of the total number of gaming machines that are available for use on the premises and any number of category C or D machines.

Gaming machines provide opportunities for solitary play and immediate pay-outs and as such are likely to encourage repetitive and excessive play. Therefore, when considering premises licence applications which include gaming machines particular regard will be given to the Protection of children and vulnerable persons.

Children and young persons may enter Licensed Family Entertainment Centres (FEC’s) but are not permitted to play Category C or above machines. The Council will expect the applicant to ensure that there will be sufficient measures in place to prevent children and young persons having access to the adult only gaming machine area.