Licence - amusement (with prizes)

Under the Gaming Act 1968, a permit is needed for premises that provide amusements with prizes by way of machines.

The type of machines that fall under the Council's control are mainly the small payment "fruit" machines normally found in amusement arcades.

Since November 2005 the Council is also responsible for the regulation of gaming machines in alcohol licensed premises. Enquiries re this type of machine should be made directly to the Licensing section. 

About this service

The maximum charge for playing a game is set at 30p and the maximum cash prize for "all cash" prize machines is £25. The all cash prize machines can only be played by people who are 18 years old and over. For other machines the maximum payout is £5 cash or £8 in tokens or gifts and there are no age restrictions on these types of machines.

Most amusement arcades/centres operate a voluntary code which excludes people under 16 years of age from playing the gaming machines. However there is no law preventing children from playing the arcade type of machines other than the all cash prize machines.

Games of skill such as quiz machines and amusement only machines such as space invaders are exempt.

Fruit machines used incidentally to fetes, bazaars and dinners where no private gain is to be made are exempt from the need to apply for a permit. Travelling showmen's fairs are also exempt. 

Any person applying for an Amusement with prizes permit must be a fit and proper person.

What you must do

For us to process your application you must:

• complete an application form and return it to the council offices
• pay the relevant fee
• undergo an inspection of your premises by the Licensing Officer                

What we must do

We are legally obliged to:

• assess your application
• inform you of our decision
• inform you of your right to appeal if refused               

We are obliged to disclose relevant information to other organisations when requested, such as:

• Inland Revenue
• Police
• Department for Work and Pensions
• Customs and Excise
• Child Support Agency               

What happens next?

Once your application has been received we will consult with

• Local councillors
• The Police
• The Fire Authority          

If no concerns are raised an inspection of the premises will be carried out by a member of the Licensing section. If no problems are found the permit will be issued.

What are the charges for this service?

A permit is granted for a period of 3 years. 

There are basically two types of Permit:

• s34(1) Gaming Act 1968 - for money prizes/tokens not exceeding £8
• s34(5E) Gaming Act 1968 - for money prizes/tokens exceeding £8 (These permits have additional conditions attached pertaining to restrictions on persons under 18 years of age).          

The fee is £250 for the s34 (5E) Permit and £32 for the s34(5) Permit.

Some frequently asked questions

What is meant by amusement with prizes?

These are the small "fruit machines" found in amusement arcades and other premises.

The maximum charge for playing a game is set at 30p and the maximum cash prize for "all cash" prize machines is £25. The all cash prize machines can only be played by people who are 18 years old and over. For other machines the maximum payout is £5 cash or £8 in tokens or gifts and there are no age restrictions on these types of machines.