To make gaming machines available on your premises you need to apply to the local authority for one of the licences below.
Completing your application
How to apply
Download the application form:
Automatic entitlement (for licensed premises only)
A gaming permit or gaming machine permit (for use by clubs)
A gaming or gaming machine permit (for use by licensed premises)
A gaming or gaming machine permit (for use by unlicensed family entertainment centres)
Your applications must:
- be completed using the application forms
- contain or be accompanied by the relevant information or documents
- send back your completed forms to the contact details below
- contact us to arrange payment for your application
Other Evidence
Club Gaming Permit / Club Machine Permit
Where an application is made by an existing Part 2 or Part 3 operator, the application must be accompanied by a copy of-
a) the applicant's registration certificate within the meaning paragraph 16(1) of Schedule 4 to the 1968 Act, if the applicant is an existing Part 2 operator, or
b) a copy of the certificate issued to the applicant under paragraph 21 of Schedule 7 of the 1968 Act, if the applicant is an existing Part 3 operator.
Regulation Summary
Read a summary of the regulations relating to these licenses
Fees
Automatic Entitlement - £50
Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit - £100 if existing operator otherwise £200
Club Gaming Permit / Club Machine Permit - £100 if existing Part 2 or 3 operator otherwise £200
Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centre - £300
Other Information
Annual Fees are due in respect of Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permits, Club Gaming Permits and Club Machine Permits.
The holder of a permit as listed above must pay a first annual fee of £50 within 30 days following its issue, thereafter an annual fee of £50 should be made to the Licensing Authority before each anniversary of its issue.
For further information on Gambling, please refer to the Argyll and Bute Council Gambling Policy, or the Gambling Commission's website.
Contact details and complaints
Telephone: 01546 604338 or licensing@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Argyll and Bute Council
Governance & Law
Licensing Section
Kilmory
Lochgilphead
PA31 8RT
Eligibility Criteria
Automatic Entitlement allows the provision of up to 2 gaming machines of category C and D on licensed premises without the need of a permit but notification must be made to the licensing authority. A one off fee is applicable and this fee must be paid. The permission is granted for an indefinite period of time or until there has been a change of circumstances such as a change in ownership then further notification will be required.
Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit - is required for licensed premises who wish to offer more than 2 category C or D machines on the premises. The duration of the permit is unlimited. They continue in force for so long as the premises has a premises licence and the holder of the permit continues to hold that licence. It should be noted that this permit is the subject of an annual fee.
Club Gaming Permit – a club is defined as a members club or miner’s welfare institute (but not commercial clubs). A permit is required to make available the use of category B or C machines on the premises. The duration of the permit is for 10 years. It should be noted that this permit is the subject of an annual fee.
Club Machine Permit – if a club does not wish to have the full range of facilities permitted by a club machine permit or if they are a commercial club they may apply to the licensing authority to have gaming machines of categories B4, C and D, up to a total of 3 machines. The duration of the permit is for 10 years. It should be noted that this permit is the subject of an annual fee.
Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centre - a permit is required to make available the use of unlimited category D machines. Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centres are able to offer only Category D machines. The duration of the permit is 10 years.
The application process
- The applicant applying for a Club Gaming Permit or Club Machine Permit must send a copy of the application and any accompanying documents to:
- The Gambling Commission, and
- The Chief Constable of Police Scotland
- On considering the application for a permit the licensing authority shall consider the application and –
(a) Grant it, or
(b) Reject it
Appeals
If you have made an application for a licence and it has been refused
You may ask us for the reasons for our decision to refuse your application within 21 days of the decision date.
You may appeal to the sheriff against the decision, within 28 days of the decision, as long as you have already followed any available procedure to state your case to ourselves.
The appeal will only be successful if the sheriff considers that we, in making our decision, had:
- erred in law
- based our decision on an incorrect material fact
- acted contrary to natural justice
- exercised our discretion in an unreasonable manner
You may then appeal on a point of law from the sheriff's decision to the Court of Session within 28 days from the date of the sheriff’s decision.
Appeals - Licence Holders
Appeals against the refusal of an application must be made to the Sheriff Principal of North Strathclyde, Paisley Sheriff Court, St James Street, Paisley, PA3 2AW.
You may appeal if we decide to suspend a licence, not to renew a licence, or not to consent to material changes to the premises or vehicle used in the course of a licence holder's work. You may appeal against the decision within 28 days of being notified, as long as you have already followed any available procedure to state your case to ourselves.
The appeal will only be successful if the sheriff considers that we, in making our decision, have:
- erred in law
- based our decision on an incorrect material fact
- acted contrary to natural justice
- exercised our discretion in an unreasonable manner
You may then appeal on a point of law from the sheriff's decision to the Court of Session within 28 days from the date of the sheriff’s decision.
Objections or representations
Objections or representations relating to a licence application may be made in writing to the licensing section, within 28 days of notice of the licence application being given, stating:
- the grounds of the objection or nature of the representation
- the name and address of the person making the representation
Police Scotland, or anyone who has made a relevant objection or representation regarding the licence, may appeal against a decision within 28 days of being notified, as long as they have already followed any available procedure in terms of stating their case to ourselves.
The appeal will only be successful if the sheriff considers that we, in making our decision, had:
- erred in law
- based our decision on an incorrect material fact
- acted contrary to natural justice
- exercised our discretion in an unreasonable manner