machine suppliers, but also pubs.
The training focuses on this issue, together with under-age test purchasing, the identification of Skill With Prizes machines which are in fact gaming machines, and illegal betting in pubs. With this under their belt, local authorities are likely to ramp up inspections, so it’s best to be prepared.
If you are relying on your automatic machine entitlement, remember you are only allowed one or two Category C or D machines with £1 stakes and £70 jackpots. If you have more than this, make sure you pay for your gaming machine permit annually, keep it on the premises and produce it on request to a police, Commission or local authority officer. Positioning these machines so they are visible to staff at all times should help ensure children do not play them.
Finally, you must not make available for use on your premises machines supplied by someone who does not have a licence from the Commission. If you have any doubt about the legality of where a
gaming machine is sited, or have suspicions about gaming machines that have been offered to you, contact the Commission in confidence on 01212 306 655. A register of licensed machine suppliers is published on the Commission’s website at www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
Your questions
I have recently got married and changed my surname. Do I have to inform my local authority in order that they can send me an updated personal licence?
Yes you do — as soon as is reasonably practicable. Notice must be sent to your licensing authority with the fee of £10.50 and the licence, so that they can record the change. Failure to comply with this duty without reasonable excuse is a criminal offence!
I am applying for a personal licence and require a valid Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) certificate. I was issued with one two months ago. How long are they valid for?
These certificates are only valid for one month, so you will need to apply again.
Anna Mathias is a barrister with West End law firm Joelson Wilson LLP. Contact Joelson Wilson on 020 7580 5721 or email ahm@joelsonwilson.com
