Gambling permits

We offer permits to premises that provide very low stakes and prize gambling or whose primary function is not the provision of gambling premises.

The only premises eligible to apply for permits are:

• unlicensed family entertainment centres
• alcohol licensed premises (under the Licensing Act 2003)
• clubs (commercial and non-commercial)
• premises who want to offer commercial prize-gaming

We, as licensing authority will issue permits for:

• family entertainment centre gaming machines
• prize gaming
• licensed premises gaming machines
• club gaming
• club machines

There are several key differences between permits and premises licences:

• permit applicants/holders are not required to have operating licences (issued by the Gambling Commission)
• there are no responsible authorities or interested parties
• as licensing authority we can only grant or reject permits and can't attach conditions
• permits are of limited duration (unless they relate to alcohol licensed premises)

As licensing authority we:

• will determine applications from premises in North Tyneside
• have stipulated the form and manner of some permits and any additional information we require
• will be responsible for the maintenance of permits after they are issued

The permit allows an unlimited amount of category D machines (maximum stake 10p or 30p when non monetary) and lasts for 10 years. There is no annual fee.

Children have free access to unlicensed FECs and will be allowed access to the machines licensed under this permit.

The requirements are:

• an application form
• a fee
• a plan of premises
• a public liability insurance certificate

The permit does not authorise the use of any gaming machines.

Holders of certain permissions under the Act (bingo halls, adult gaming centres, licensed family entertainment centres and holders family entertainment centre gaming) are automatically entitled to offer prize gaming without the need of a prize gaming permit.

A permit lasts for 10 years. There is no annual fee.

The requirements are:

• an application form
• a fee
• a plan of premises
• a public liability insurance certificate

All premises must abide by:

• the Gambling Act 2005
• Regulations and the Gambling Commission Code of Practice for Gaming in Alcohol Licensed Premises

To apply for a licensed premises gaming machine permit the requirements are:

• an application form
• a fee
• a plan of premises

To notify us of your intention to take up the automatic entitlement to up to 2 machines the requirements are:

• an application form
• a fee

The Gambling Act 2005 requires:

• a club gaming permit to be held where a members club or miners welfare institute provides facilities for gaming
• a club machine permit to be held where a members club or miners welfare institute provides gaming machines

Holders of a club gaming or club machine permit can provide up to 3 machines of any combination of category B4, C or D machines. Holders of a club gaming permit can also provide facilities for equal chance gaming.

Permits last for 10 years and an annual fee is payable.

All premises are required to abide by:

• the Gambling Act 2005
• Regulations and Gambling Commission Code of Practice for Location and Operation of machines in Clubs

To apply for a club gaming or club machine permit the requirements are:

• an application form
• a fast track procedure for holders of club premises certificates
• a fee
• a plan of premises