Cookies on the Gambling Commission website

The Gambling Commission website uses cookies to make the site work better for you. Some of these cookies are essential to how the site functions and others are optional. Optional cookies help us remember your settings, measure your use of the site and personalise how we communicate with you. Any data collected is anonymised and we do not set optional cookies unless you consent.

Set cookie preferences

You've accepted all cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Skip to main content

Guidance

Guidance to licensing authorities

The Gambling Commission's guidance for licensing authorities.

Contents


3 - Granting or refusing a permit

24.9. The licensing authority can grant or refuse an application for a permit, but cannot add conditions. An application for a permit may be granted only if the licensing authority is satisfied that the premises will be used as an uFEC, and if the chief officer of police has been consulted on the application. In considering the application, the licensing authority shall have regard to this guidance and may have regard to the licensing objectives (Schedule 10, paragraph 7 of the Act). The licensing authority may also consider asking applicants to demonstrate:

  • a full understanding of the maximum stakes and prizes of the gambling that is permissible in uFECs
  • that the applicant has no relevant convictions (those that are set out in Schedule 7 of the Act)
  • that employees are trained to have a full understanding of the maximum stakes and prizes.

24.10. The licensing authority may not refuse an application unless it has notified the applicant of the intention to refuse and the reasons for it, and given them an opportunity to make representations orally or in writing or both. The rights of appeal in relation to permits are discussed in Part 12 of this guidance.

24.11. If a permit is granted, the licensing authority must issue it as soon as is reasonably practicable. The Secretary of State has set out the form of the permit in regulations (SI No 454/2007: The Gambling Act 2005 (Family Entertainment Centre Gaming Machine)(Permits) Regulations 2007 (opens in new tab)). The permit must specify the person to whom it is issued, the premises it relates to, the date on which it takes effect, the date on which it expires and the name and address of the licensing authority issuing it.

24.12. The permit will have effect for ten years, unless it ceases to have effect because it is surrendered or lapses or is renewed. There is no annual fee for FEC gaming machine permits. Permits that were first granted under the Act expired in 2017.

24.13. If the person to whom the permit is issued changes their name, or wants to be known by another name, they may send the permit to the issuing authority for amendment, together with the appropriate fee. The authority must comply with the request and return the permit to the holder.

Previous section
Applying for a permit
Next section
Lapse, surrender and forfeiture
Is this page useful?
Back to top