Gambling licensing policy

Where a premises does not hold a premises licence but wishes to provide gaming machines, it may apply to the Licensing Authority for this permit. The applicant must demonstrate that the premises will be wholly or mainly used for making gaming machines available for use.

In accordance with national guidance and given that such premises are likely to appeal particularly to children, the Licensing Authority will give weight to matters relating to protection of children from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

Also, in accordance with national guidance, the Licensing Authority may ask applicants to demonstrate:

• that both the applicant and all staff have a full understanding of the maximum stakes and prizes that are permissible in unlicensed FECs
• that the applicant has no relevant convictions as set out in Schedule 7 of the Act

The Licensing Authority will expect the applicant to demonstrate that there are policies and procedures in place to protect children from harm. Harm in this context is not limited to harm from gambling but includes wider child protection considerations. The efficiency of such policies and procedures will each be considered on their merits, however, they may include :

• A basic criminal record check for applicant and staff
• Staff training programme to include how to deal with:
  • • Unsupervised very young children being on the premises
    • Children causing/perceived to be causing problems in or around the premises
    • Suspected truant children
    • Safeguarding

The licensing authority will also expect applicants to demonstrate:

• A full understanding of the maximum stakes and prizes of the gambling that is permissible in an unlicensed FEC
• That the applicant has no relevant conviction (as set out in Schedule 7 of the Gambling Act 2005); and
• That staff are trained to have a full understanding of the maximum stakes and prizes

Licensing authorities may not attach conditions to these permits although the application may be refused if the licensing authority is not satisfied that the issues raised above have been addressed in the application.