Family entertainment centre permit

This permit allows arcades to provide category D gaming machines.  No other category of gaming machine can be provided.

A permit lasts for 10 years, at which point they must be renewed.  

A permit cannot be issued for vessels or vehicles. 

You cannot transfer a permit to a new operator. A new operator must make a new application.

You can also notify us of a change of premises name using our application form. 

Who can apply

Only a person who occupies or proposes to occupy a premises can apply. They must also satisfy the Licensing Authority that the premises will be wholly or mainly used for providing gaming machines. 

Fees

The fee for a permit is £300.  There is no annual fee. 

How to apply:

You will need to include:

Plan

A plan of the premises for which the permit is sought showing the following items:

1. The boundary of the building with any external or internal walls, entrances and exits to the building and any internal doorways.
2. Where any category D gaming machines are positioned and the particular type of machines (for example, slot machines, penny-falls, cranes).
3. The position and type of any other amusement machines on the premises.
4. The location of any fixed or semi-fixed counters, booths or offices on the premises which staff use to monitor the customer floor area.
5. The location of any cash machines or change machines.
6. The location of any fixed or temporary structures such as columns or pillars.
7. The location and height of any stages in the premises and any steps, stairs, elevators, balconies or lifts in the premises.
8. The location of any public toilets in the building, unless otherwise agreed.

The plan should be drawn to a standard scale with a key showing the items mentioned above. The standard scale is 1:100.

A Basic Check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

This needs to be less than one month old.

Request a basic DBS check on GOV.UK.

Documents to support your application

Proof of age

You need to prove you are over 18. Types of proof can include:

• a certified copy or sight of an original birth certificate
• a photo style driving licence
• a passport

Proof of right to occupy the premises

Types of proof can include:

• a copy of any lease
• a copy of the property’s deeds or similar document

Proof that machines were supplied by a licensed supplier

Evidence that the machines are or were supplied by a legitimate gambling machine supplier or manufacturer. The supplier or manufacture must hold a valid gaming machine technical operating licence issued by the Gambling Commission.

Gambling local risk assessment

Suitable and sufficient gambling local risk assessments where the Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centre is located adjacent to an Adult Gaming Centre.

Safeguarding policy

A Suitable and sufficient safeguarding policy that promotes the licensing objective “Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling”.  For more information, please read our Gambling Statement of Principles. 

Evidence of full understanding of stakes and prizes

Evidence that you fully understand the maximum stakes and prizes of the gambling that is allowed in Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centres

You must also submit evidence that employees are trained to fully understand the maximum stakes and prizes

Apply online

Once you have gathered this information, you will need to register or log in to our customer portal.

What happens next

We will send a copy of your application to the Police.

If no objections are received, we will grant the permit.

If any objections are received, the application will have to go to a committee hearing. 

We will notify you of any objections and give you the opportunity to attend the hearing in person.  We will send you a ‘notice’ telling you the date, time and place.  The committee will hear all the facts and make a decision. 

Appeals

If you disagree with the licensing committee’s decision, you can appeal to your local magistrates’ court. You must do this within 21 days of the decision.