Gaming machine licences

 
Important information about the transfer of Licensing Functions from Licensing Justices to the Licensing Authority under the Licensing Act 2003.

 

Some changes have been made to the licensing regime for gaming and gaming machines in pubs and other alcohol licensed premises. On 24 November 2005 responsibility for the issue of the following types of permits transferred from the Magistrates' Court to Peterborough City Council as the licensing authority:

 

1. Section 34 of the Gaming Act 1968

The grant of permits for amusements with prizes gaming machines (AWP) on alcohol licensed premises. These are frequently known as "fruit" or "slot" machines. There are two types:

 

  1. the "all cash" machine, which has a maximum stake of 30p and a maximum prize of £25. This type is commonly found in pubs or arcades with and over 18 door policy (section 34 (5E); and
  2. the "coin or token" machine which has a maximum stake of 30p and a maximum prize of £5 cash or £8-00 non cash. This is the type found in take-away restaurants, amusement arcades, fish and chip shops and cafes to which children have access (section 34 (1) these are presently authorised by a permit for individual premises, granted under s.34 of the 1968 Act and issued by the licensing authority, as there is no alcohol)

Both types of permit are issued for three years.


2. Section 16 of the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976

The grant of permits for commercial amusements with prizes on alcohol licensed premises:
 
  • licensing authority has responsibility for granting permits for amusements with prizes to a range of premises where there is no alcohol
  • licensing authority has responsibility for granting such permits to alcohol licensed premises
    a section permit allows the playing of certain games and lotteries for prizes commercially, within specified money limits
  • this permit is not intended to be used for authorising gaming machines
  • permit issued for three years.

3. Section 6 of the Gaming Act 1968

An order authorising low-stake gaming on alcohol licensed premises:
 
  • authorises holders of premises licenses under the Licensing Act 1964 to apply to the licensing authority for authority to play certain games on their licensed premises
  • licence holders can automatically play dominoes and cribbage
  • other games may be authorised but such games must be equal chanced gaming(e.g. bingo, bridge) and no charges for taking part, or levies on stakes or winnings may be made
  • any hotel or restaurant with a bar will be able to apply for a section 6 order, hotels or restaurants which serve alcohol only with food will not
  • conditions may be attached
  • application can be made by letter.

 

Important key points if you wish to make an application:
 
  • For a new or renewed permit before 24 November 2005, applications should have been made to the Magistrates' Court for consideration of the application in the normal way. Applications that were unresolved on 24 November 2005 will have been passed to Peterborough City Council as the Licensing Authority.
  • For a new or renewed permit on or after 24 November 2005, applications should be made to Peterborough City Council as the Licensing Authority.
  • Special arrangements: In accordance with the legislation, normally an application should not be made less than one month before the date on which it is due to expire. However, special arrangements were put in place for permits due to expire between 24 November 2005 and 8 January 2006. Applications submitted to Peterborough city council as the licensing authority by 8 December 2005 automatically benefited from an extension until such time as the application is resolved.
  • All existing permits: granted by the Magistrates will remain valid after 24 November 2005, and will only be renewed when they expire.
  • Name change on alcohol premise licence: On 24 November 2005 the name on some alcohol licences will have changed through the conversion process to Premises licences under the licensing Act 2003. There is no need to obtain a new permit as a result of this conversion as any name change as a result of the conversion on 24 November 2005 will be dealt with administratively when the permit comes up for renewal. However, if the name on the alcohol premise license changes, for example if the business is sold and the premises licence is transferred, then a new application for any of the permits will be required.  

 

Fees and Clubs

 

Section 6 Permit. It is likely that applicants will apply in conjunction with an application for a premise licence that authorises alcohol under the 2003 Act
No separate fee
Section 34(1) of the Gaming Act1968. Fee payable on the grant or renewal of a permit - issued by PCC
£32-00
Section 34(5E) of the Gaming Act 1968. Fee payable on the grant or renewal of a permit - arcades - issued by PCC
£250-00
Section 34(5E) of the Gaming Act 1968. Fee payable in alcohol licensed premises - issued by PCC
£32-00
Section 16 of the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976 - issued by PCC
£32-00

Club premises certificates (authorising the supply of alcohol) will continue to be issued by the Magistrates.

 

Application Forms

 

Adobe Acrobat logoThe documents below appear in Adobe® Acrobat® (PDF) format. In order to view them you will need to have Acrobat Reader installed. (Those with visual impairments may wish to investigate Access Adobe, which provides tools and information to help make PDF files more accessible.)  

 

  (29 KB, 2 pages)
  

  (29 KB, 2 pages)
  

Peterborough City Council. Town Hall, Bridge Street, Peterborough, PE1 1QT - (01733) 747474 - DX12310 Peterborough 1