No time to gamble with machine laws

Licensees are urged not to leave it too late to apply for the right to operate gaming machines when the laws change this year.

Government has published details of what pubs must do to operate machines under the Gambling Act 2005.

Current Section 34 gaming machine permits will apply until 1 September 2007, when the new Act goes live.

After 1 September, pubs with one or two machines must notify their local authority that they plan to continue operating the

systems.

Pubs that want to use more than two machines will need to apply to their licensing authority for a new licensed premises gaming-machine permit.

Crucially, pubs must apply at least two months before their Section 34 permit expires.

British Beer and Pub Association director of pubs and leisure Martin Rawlings said licensees should act sooner rather than later,

and not leave it too late as many tended to do with licensing reform.

He expressed fear that some councils would try to stop licensees operating as many machines as they want to, if pubs forget to apply.

Full details of the new procedures can be found on pages 52 to 57 of the Gambling Act 2005: Transitional Arrangements document. This can be found in the reference library for publications from 2006 on the website www.culture.gov.uk.

last chance to have your say on gaming fees

Licensees still have a bit of time to tell the Government their views on upcoming plans to change the fee structure for operating pub gaming machines, which could actually see costs skyrocket. A pub that has three machines would see initial fees increase from £32 to £200 under the plans - and councils want to introduce even higher charges. Consultation on fees was due to be finalised on 22 December 2006 but the period has now been extended to 19 January 2007. Responses can be sent to: Frances MacLeod, Gambling and National Lottery Licensing Division, DCMS, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London SW1 5DH.