Agenda item

The Sub-Committee considered a report from the Director of Early Intervention in respect of an application under Schedule 13 of the Gambling Act 2005 for a Gaming Machine Permit for more than 2 gaming machines on behalf of the premises licence holder of The Colliers Arms, 30 Moor Road Chorley.

The premises benefits from a Premises Licence (PLA0386) issued under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 authorising the sale of alcohol, this authorisation is a pre-requisite to enable the above application. The premises currently benefits from a gaming machine permit for three category C Machines, GMP0005 issued on 16 July 2013.

Officers attended the premises on 2 June 2016 to assess the suitability of the premises to accommodate an additional gaming machine in line with the application received. Officers noted that the premises had four Category C Gaming Machines in situ, where a permit for three machines existed.

When it was brought to his attention, the applicant apologised for the additional Machine and explained that he did not realise that the application required a committee hearing for it to be determined; Officers accepted this explanation given the manner in which the previous application had been determined. The applicant immediately complied with officer’s request to remove the fourth Gaming Machine.

The applicant’s representative confirmed that the applicant was aware of Chorley Council’s Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy and the Licensing Objectives. The applicant reiterated his apologies regarding the inadvertent breach of the fourth Gaming Machine to the Sub-Committee.

The applicant’s representative confirmed that all of the gaming machines were able to be monitored by the bar staff.  He confirmed that the pay-out rates and maximum winning totals (£70) are clearly signposted on all the machines.

Members were informed that crime and disorder was not an issue at the establishment. It was confirmed that that the pub exercised a challenge 21 policy.  In regards to vulnerable persons, the pub operates a self-exclusion policy whereby any individual who admits to having a gambling problem cannot use the machines for a six month period, and anyone with a gambling problem who does not voluntarily sign the self-exclusion policy will also experience a six month ban.

It was also confirmed that a notice has been produced to be strategically placed around the pub and the gaming machines and that Gamcare leaflets would be ordered and readily available at the establishment.

Member’s expressed concerns as to whether new employees had received training regarding the licensing provisions surrounding the use of gambling machines. The applicant indicated that no training had been provided but stated that all of his employees had worked in the industry for several years and exercised awareness.

Members were reminded of the Gambling Act 2005 licensing objectives and the Gambling Commission’s published code of practice, providing the requirements that must be complied with by the Gaming Machine Permit Holder.

After careful consideration of all the relevant information, the Sub Committee RESOLVED – that the application for four category C Gaming machines at The Colliers Arms, Chorley be permitted for the following reasons:

1.              The granting of the application is reasonably consistent with the licensing objectives and the applicant was aware of the positive steps required to promote these licensing objectives.

2.              The machines will be sited adjacent to the bar, with the fourth machine being sited directly opposite the bar and in sight of the staff. Members were satisfied that there were sufficient measures to ensure that the machines are monitored by staff and that any under 18 year olds do not have access to the adult only gaming machines.

3.                     The applicant has taken into account the comments regarding signage and supportive information and has produced a notice to be placed in the public house and would be ordering additional notices from Gamcare.