Applications must be made by a person or organisation who holds the premises licence authorising the sale of alcohol on the premises for which the application is being made.

An application can only be made if there is not currently a premises licence (issued under the Gambling Act 2005) in effect at the premises concerned.

Please complete the online application form. This must be submitted to the licensing authority along with the prescribed application fee (as per the fees table on the right-hand side of this page). You will need a credit/debit card to make payment. 

The licensing authority may only grant or refuse an application for a gaming machine permit. In determining the application, the licensing authority will have regard to the licensing objectives and to statutory guidance issued by the Gambling Commission. The authority may also take into account any other matters which are considered relevant to the application. The application does not require the authority to notify the Gambling Commission or the Police before determination.

Where an application is granted, the licensing authority may vary the number of gaming machines authorised by that permit if it sees fit to do so. However, it cannot attach conditions to the permit. Where the application is refused, the licensing authority will notify the application as soon as reasonably possible and will set out the reasons for refusal.

The applicant for a permit may appeal to the magistrates’ court against the decision of the licensing authority to refuse to issue a permit.

The holder of the permit must ensure that it is kept on the premises to which it relates, and ensure that it is available upon request for inspection by the Police or authorised officer of the Council. It is an offence to not produce the permit upon request.

Variation

Should the holder of the permit wish to change the number and/or category of machines authorised by the permit, they may apply to the licensing authority to vary the permit. The fee for this application is £100.

Transfer

In the event that the holder of the premises licence is transferred under the Licensing Act 2003, the gaming machine permit must also be transferred to the new licence holder’s name. The fee for a transfer of a gaming machine permit is £25.

Replacement Permit

If your permit is lost, stolen or damaged, the holder may apply to the licensing authority for a replacement. The fee for a replacement permit is £15.

Change of Name

The holder of the permit may also apply to the licensing authority to amend the permit to reflect a change in the holder’s name. The fee for a change of name is £25.

The licensing authority may cancel a gaming machine permit, but only in specified circumstances. These include:

(i)         If the premises are wholly or mainly used by children or young persons;

(ii)        If an offence under the Gambling Act 2005 has been committed.

The holder for a permit may appeal to the magistrates’ court against the decision of the licensing authority to cancel a permit.

Before the licensing authority can cancel a gaming machine permit, it must:

• Notify the holder, giving 21 days’ notice of intention to cancel
• Consider any representations made by the holder
• Hold a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing if requested

Where the licensing authority does cancel a permit, the cancellation does not take effect under the period for appealing against the decision has elapsed, or (where an appeal has been lodged), until that appeal is determined.