Family Entertainment Centre Gaming Machine Permit

Under the Gambling Act 2005 Section 238 specifies that only those premises which are wholly or mainly used for making gaming machines available for use – such as small arcades in holiday parks, theme parks and seaside resorts - may hold a Family Entertainment Centre (“FEC”) Gaming Machine Permit; Permits cannot be issued to vessels or vehicles. Those FECs who do not hold a Gambling Premises Licence will therefore be able to offer Category D machines only under this Permit.
 
Any number of Category D machines can be made available with the Permit (subject to other considerations, such as fire regulations and health and safety, which will not be issues for the licensing authority under the Act) as these type of machines are the lowest category of gaming machines available, and the only type that children and young people are allowed to play.
 
If the operator of an FEC wants to make Category C machines available, in addition to Category D machines, then they will need to apply for an Operating Licence from the Gambling Commission and then a Gambling Premises Licence from us. Consequently, holders of a Gambling Premises Licence issued under the Act may not apply for FEC Gaming Machine Permits.
 
FEC Gaming Machine Permits replace Section 34(1) Permits which were issued under the 1968 Gaming Act.
 
Applicants will be required to provide the following:
 
A plan showing the layout of the premises.

Evidence that Criminal Record Bureau checks are carried out for staff.

Evidence that appropriate measures / training are in place for staff to enable them to: 1) deal with suspected truant school children on the premises; 2) deal with unsupervised very young children on the premises; and, 3) have a full understanding of the maximum stakes and prizes permissible in unlicensed FECs.
 
Evidence of how the applicant would deal with children causing perceived problems on or around the premises.
 
Evidence that the applicant is able to demonstrate a full understanding of the maximum stakes and prizes of the gambling that is permissible in unlicensed FECs.

Evidence that the applicant has no relevant convictions (those that are set out in Schedule 7 of the Act).
 
There are fees applicable for this process.
 
Application form
 Family Entertainment Centre Gaming Machine Permit

A copy of the legislation can be viewed at the Council Offices where you can also obtain an application form and a copy of our standard conditions.  Contact Licensing on 01707 357925 or Licensing@welhat.gov.uk