Pub fruit machine payouts set to rise.

A group of MPs conducting an inquiry into the future of community pubs was told that an increase in AWP machine payouts was expected by September.

British Beer and Pub Association director of pub and leisure Martin Rawlings, told the Community Pubs inquiry that discussions with the DCMS were well underway and he was hopeful that the increase to 50 pence stake and £35 payout would be in place by September.

We desperately need this to help us over other problems like the smoking ban.​Martin Rawlings, BBPA.

He said: "We desperately need this to help us over other problems like the smoking ban."​

Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers chief executive Nick Bish added: "People are attracted to pubs to play the machines and stay to buy beer."​

Bish and Rawlings were speaking at the inquiry along with Keith Bott of the Society of Independent Brewers and John McNamara chief executive of the British Institute of Innkeeping.

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Your Comments​Paul​ via email 14/07/2006"Before the BBPA start to go on about raising the prize in the bandits they ought to look in to removing the machine tie that is in place in a majority of tied houses. This was discussed during the trade select commitee debate last year ..... Removing the tie would allow publicans the freedom to choose a supplier they wanted , have more takings from the machines thus allow us more money to bulding better smoking area's for when the ban comes in... Bigger prizes ? No !Remove the tie .....Yes please... !!!!!!!!!!!"

T Leedham​ via email 14/07/2006"Jackpot payouts i have a bookmakers one side my customers can take my beer and play unlimited jakpots on their machines i have 2 workingmens clubs the other side of me their customers can play for £350 jackpots. We all share the same customers and sell the same beer £35 jackpot wont help me and allowing bookmakers to have unlimited jackpots cost me about £1200 a year in lost income stop messing about and lets have a level playing field."