Do Pubs Need a Licence for Fruit Machines?
A qualifying alcohol-licensed pub does not normally need a separate licensed premises gaming machine permit simply to provide one or two Category C or D machines.
However, the alcohol premises licence holder must notify the local licensing authority and pay the prescribed fee before relying on the automatic entitlement.
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Do Pubs Need a Licence for Fruit Machines?
If the pub wants to provide more than two machines, a licensed premises gaming machine permit will generally be required.
Understanding this distinction is important when arranging fruit machine hire for a pub.
What Is the Automatic Gaming Machine Entitlement?
Section 282 of the Gambling Act 2005 provides an automatic entitlement for qualifying alcohol-licensed premises to make up to two Category C or D gaming machines available.
This is designed to cover premises such as pubs that already hold the relevant licence to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises.
However, the entitlement needs to be activated by notifying the relevant licensing authority and paying the prescribed fee.
Do I Need to Contact My Council?
Yes.
The holder of the relevant alcohol premises licence should notify the licensing authority of the intention to make gaming machines available.
Don’t assume that simply holding an alcohol licence means machines can be installed without contacting the authority.
Your local council’s licensing department should be able to provide the appropriate notification procedure.
What Machines Can a Pub Have?
The automatic entitlement applies to Category C and Category D gaming machines.
Category C machines are commonly associated with the traditional pub fruit machine.
They currently have a:
Maximum stake of £1
Maximum prize of £100
Category D covers various lower-stake gaming and amusement machines.
Do I Need a Permit for One Fruit Machine?
A qualifying alcohol-licensed premises would normally rely on its automatic entitlement for one or two Category C or D machines after completing the required notification process.
A separate licensed premises gaming machine permit is generally relevant where the premises wants more than two machines.
Do I Need a Permit for Two Fruit Machines?
The same automatic entitlement can cover up to two Category C or D machines, subject to notification and the other applicable requirements.
What if I Want More Than Two Fruit Machines?
A pub wanting additional machines should apply to its licensing authority for a licensed premises gaming machine permit.
The permit can specify the number and category of machines authorised.
Once issued, the number specified on the permit effectively replaces the automatic two-machine entitlement.
Pub Fruit Machine Licence FAQs
Does a pub need a licence for one fruit machine?
A qualifying alcohol-licensed pub can generally rely on the automatic entitlement for up to two Category C or D machines after notifying the licensing authority and paying the prescribed fee.
Do pubs need permission for two fruit machines?
The premises licence holder must notify the licensing authority to activate the automatic entitlement.
Do pubs need a permit for three fruit machines?
More than two machines generally requires a licensed premises gaming machine permit.
Who issues pub gaming machine permits?
The relevant local licensing authority.
Can I install a fruit machine as soon as I receive my alcohol licence?
Do not assume that the alcohol licence alone completes the process. Check the gaming-machine notification requirements with your licensing authority before making machines available.
Can under-18s use a Category C machine in a pub?
No.
Who regulates gaming machines?
The Gambling Commission regulates commercial gambling in Great Britain, while local licensing authorities have important responsibilities relating to premises and gaming-machine permissions.
Should I check the rules again before installing a machine?
Yes. Gambling regulations, stake and prize limits and licensing requirements can change, so operators should check current official guidance.
Fruit Machine Hire for Pubs
Once you’ve established the permissions applicable to your premises, you can consider the type of machine best suited to your venue.
FruitMachineHire.com provides information about pub fruit machine hire, Category C machines, Category D machines, gaming-machine permits and choosing a fruit machine supplier.
Is a Fruit Machine Licence the Same as an Alcohol Licence?
No.
The alcohol premises licence and gaming-machine provisions are related for qualifying pubs, but they are not the same thing.
The alcohol licence is what can make the premises eligible for the automatic gaming-machine entitlement.
The notification or gaming-machine permit then deals with the relevant machine authorisation.
Are Category C Fruit Machines 18+?
Yes.
Under-18s must not play Category C gaming machines.
Pubs providing Category C machines need to ensure children and young people are prevented from using them.
Category D machines have different age rules.
Does the Fruit Machine Supplier Need a Licence?
Gaming-machine businesses can require Gambling Commission licences depending on what they do.
Manufacturing, supplying, installing, adapting, maintaining and repairing gaming machines are regulated activities.
When arranging fruit machine hire, pub operators should therefore use an appropriate supplier and ensure that the machine is suitable for the premises.
Does the Machine Need to Meet Technical Standards?
Yes.
Gaming machines made available on licensed or permitted premises must comply with the relevant Gambling Commission technical standards.
The machine category should also be identifiable on the equipment.
Can a Council Remove the Automatic Entitlement?
Yes.
The licensing authority has powers to remove the automatic authorisation from particular premises in specified circumstances.
Reasons can include breaches of applicable requirements, inconsistency with the licensing objectives, the premises becoming mainly used for gaming, or relevant offences.
What Should a Pub Landlord Do Before Hiring a Fruit Machine?
Before installing a machine:
- Confirm that the premises qualifies.
- Establish the machine category.
- Decide how many machines are required.
- Contact the local licensing authority.
- Complete the appropriate notification or permit process.
- Use an appropriate gaming-machine supplier.
- Ensure Category C machines are not played by under-18s.
- Keep up to date with current Gambling Commission requirements.
This provides a much stronger foundation than choosing a machine first and dealing with the regulatory requirements afterwards.
Get in Touch for Free Machine Hire
Give your venue a boost with quality gaming and amusement machines designed to increase footfall and revenue. Choose from fruit machines, pool tables, jukeboxes, arcade games and pull tab machines.
