Read the text of this document (8 pages)
Licensing Sub-Committee – 27 July 2026
Part I – Public
APPLICATION TO VARY A LICENSED PREMISES GAMING MACHINE
PERMIT: HOLLYWOOD BOWL & PUTTSTARS, UNIT 220, THE CHIMES
(UPPER MALL), UXBRIDGE UB8 1QJ
Committee Licensing Sub-Committee
Officer Contact Licensing Officer – Austen Young
Papers with report Appendix 1 – Application form
Appendix 2 – Existing Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit
Appendix 3 – Premises Licence issued under Licensing Act 2003
Appendix 4 – Plan of the premises
Appendix 5 – Gambling Commission Code of Practice
Ward name Uxbridge
1.0 SUMMARY
To consider an application to vary an existing Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit
to increase the number of Category D gaming machines from 35 to 43 machines for
Hollywood Bowl & Puttstars, Unit 220, The Chimes (Upper Mall), Uxbridge UB8 1QJ.
2.0 RECOMMENDATION
That the Licensing Sub-Committee consider this application for the variation of the number
of machines and determine the application.
3.0 APPLICATION
3.1 Type of Application
An application to vary the Licensed Premises Gaming Machine permit in force at this
premises pursuant to schedule 13 of the Gambling Act 2005 submitted by The Original
Bowling Company Ltd. The application form is attached at Appendix 1.
3.2 The application was submitted in accordance with the procedures set out in section 283 of
the Gambling Act 2005. The application procedure does not require any consultation with
responsible authorities or any advertising or legal notice.
3.3 Scope of Application
The existing permit allows the premises to provide 5 category C gaming machines and 35
category D gaming machines. This permit is attached at Appendix 2. This permit has been
in force since 7th March 2024.
3.4 This application is seeking to increase the number of category D machines which can be
provided from 35 to 43 machines. The number of category C gaming machines is not
subject to change.
Licensing Sub-Committee – 27 July 2026
Part I – Public
3.5 Licensing Sub-Committee
Hillingdon’s Statement of Gambling Policy 2025 -2028, under which this application is
processed, requires that any applications for five or more gaming machines, such as in this
case, be delegated to a Licensing Sub-Committee.
3.6 General Information
The premises does benefit from a Premises Licence, issued under the Licensing Act 2003,
for the provision of regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol.
A copy of this licence is attached at Appendix 3.
3.7 The premises is used as a multi -function entertainment/ bowling complex with bowling
alleys and dedicated amusement areas.
3.8 As part of the app lication process, officers requested a plan of the premises showing the
proposed layout of the gaming machines, to assist in assessing if these machines can be
monitored in accordance with Gambling Commission’s Code of Practice. A copy of th is
plan is attached at Appendix 4.
3.9 Permit holders are required to comply with the Gambling Commission’s Code of Practice
for Gaming Machine Permits. A copy of this code is attached at Appendix 5.
3.10 The different categories of gaming machines are as follows:
Category Maximum Stake Maximum Prize
A Unlimited – No category A
gaming machines are currently
permitted
Unlimited – No category A
gaming machines are currently
permitted
B1 £5 £10,000†
B2 £2 £500
B3A £2 £500
B3 £2 £500
B4 £2 £400
C £1 £100
D – non-money
prize
30p £8
D – non-money
prize (crane grab
machines only)
£1 £50
D – money prize 10p £5
D – combined
money and non -
money prize
10p £8 (of which no more than £5
may be a money prize)
D – combined
money and non -
money prize (coin
pusher or penny
falls machines only)
20p £20 (of which no more than £10
may be a money prize)
† With option of max £20,000 linked progressive jackpot on premises basis only.
Licensing Sub-Committee – 27 July 2026
Part I – Public
3.11 Only category C and category D machines may be permitted under a Licensed Premises
Gaming Machine Permit. Under 18s are prohibited from using category C machines but
may use category D machines.
4.0 OFFICER’S OBSERVATIONS
4.1 No complaints have been rec eived by the Licensing Authority in respect of the operation
of Hollywood Bowl and Puttstars and the operation of their gaming machines.
4.2 No Members’ Enquiries have been received in respect of Hollywood Bowl and Puttstars
and the operation of their gaming machines.
5.0 RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THE GAMBLING COMMISSION’S GUIDANCE TO
LICENSING AUTHORITIES
5.1 Statutory aim to permit gambling
At paragraph 1.19 it states that “The Act places a legal duty on both the Commission and
licensing authorities to aim to permit gambling, in so far as it is considered to be reasonably
consistent with the pursuit of the licensing objectives. The effect of this duty is that both the
Commission and licensing authorities must approach their functions in a way that seeks to
regulate gambling by using their powers, for example, powers to attach conditions to
licences, to moderate its impact on the licensing objectives rather than by starting out to
prevent it altogether”.
5.2 Gaming machines
At paragraph 16.11 it states that “ There is a minimum age of 18 for all players for all
category A, B and C machines, including category B3A gaming machines offering lottery
style games. However, there is no minimum age for players of category D machines. The
holder of any permit or premise s licence has to comply with the codes of practice issued
by the Commission on the location of and access to gaming machines by children and
young persons, and the separation from category C and B machines where those are also
located on the same premises”.
5.3 Premises licensed to sell alcohol
At paragraph 26.1 it states that “ It is important to remember that gambling must remain
ancillary to the main purpose of the premises and the exemptions and permits are reliant
on the premises holding a valid alcohol licence. Experience indicates that, in circumstances
where breaches of gambling regulations occur, licensing authorities have a powerful lever
in securing compliance, due to their ability to review the alcohol licence”.
At paragraph 26.8 it states that “Licensing authorities may issue licensed premises gaming
machine permits for any number of category C or D machines in licensed premises (alcohol
licensed premises as described in s.277 of the Act). Where a permit authorises the making
available of a spe cified number of gaming machines in particular premises, this will
effectively replace, and not be in addition to, any automatic entitlement to two machines
under s.282 of the Act”.
At paragraph 26.9 it states that “ Holders of licensed premises gaming mac hine permits
are required to comply with a code of practice issued by the Commission on the location
Licensing Sub-Committee – 27 July 2026
Part I – Public
and operation of machines, Code of practice for gaming machines in clubs and premises
with an alcohol licence”.
At paragraph 26.11 it states that “Applications must be made by a person or organisation
that holds the on -premises alcohol licence for the premises for which the application is
made. An application may not be made if a premises licence under the Act is in effect at
the premises. The application m ust be made to an authority in whose area the premises
are wholly or partly situated. The Act requires an application to include information on the
premises to which it relates, and the number and category of gaming machines sought.
Apart from this it is f or the Licensing Authority to direct the form and manner of the
application and what additional information and documents are required”.
At paragraph 26.12 it states that “ In determining an application, the Licensing Authority
must have regard to the licensing objectives and to this guidance. They may also take
account of any other matters that are considered relevant to the application. The
application does not require notification to the Commission or police before determination,
however, licensing authorities are able to specify this as a requirement should they see fit”.
At paragraph 26.13 it states that “ The Licensing Authority may grant or refuse an
application. In granting the application, it may vary the number and category of gaming
machines authorised by the permit. If granted, the Licensing Authority must issue the
permit as soon as possible after that. Where they refuse t he application they must notify
the applicant as soon as possible, setting out the reasons for refusal. The Licensing
Authority must not refuse an application, or grant it for a different number or category of
machines, unless they have notified the applicant of their intention to do so and given the
applicant an opportunity to make representations, orally, in writing, or both”.
At paragraph 26.18 it states that “The holder may apply to vary the permit by changing the
number and/or category of machines authorised by it”.
At paragraph 26.22 it states that “ The applicant may appeal to the Magistrates’ court or
Sheriff against an authority’s decision not to issue a permit. The holder can also appeal
against a decision to cancel a permit”.
5.4 Protection of children and young persons
At paragraph 26.41 it states that “The Commission’s code of practice relating to the
location and operation of gaming machines provides that, in respect of gaming machines
in alcohol licensed premises, the licence holder or permit holder should put into effect
procedures intended to prevent underage gambling. This should include procedures for:
checking the age of apparently underage customers
refusing access to anyone who appears to be underage and who tries to use
category B or C gaming machines and cannot produce an accep table form of
identification”.
At paragraph 26.42 it states that “The code requires that all gaming machines situated on
the premises must be located in a place within the premises where their use can be
supervised, either by staff whose duties include su ch supervision (including bar or floor
staff) or by other means. Alcohol premises licence holders or permit holders must have in
place arrangements for such supervision”.
Licensing Sub-Committee – 27 July 2026
Part I – Public
6.0 RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THE GAMBLING COMMISSION’S CODE OF PRACTICE
6.1 Code Provision 1.1 states that “Compliance with the code of practice should be the
responsibility of a designated person:
in pubs in England and Wales: the designated premises supervisor (which
the Licensing Act 2003 requires as a condition of any alcohol premises licence)”.
6.2 Code Provision 2.1 states that:
1. All gaming machines situated on the premises must be located in a place within the
premises so that their use can be supervised, either by staff whose duties include
such supervision (including bar or floor staff) or by other means.
2. Permit holders must have in place arrangements for such supervision.
3. All gaming machin es situated on the premises shall be located in a place that
requires a customer who wishes to use any ATM made available on the premises
to cease gambling at the gaming machines in order to do so. ‘ATM’ means a
machine located on the premises, which enables a person using it to obtain cash by
use of a credit or debit card.
6.3 Code Provision 3.1 states that:
1. Permit holders should put into effect procedures intended to prevent underage
gambling. This should include procedures for:
checking the age of those who appear underage
refusing entry to anyone unable to produce an acceptable form of
identification.
2. Permit holders should take all reasonable steps to ensure that all relevant
employees understand their responsibilities for preventing underage gambling.
Permit holders should only accept identification which:
contains a photograph from which the individual can be identified
states the individual’s date of birth
is valid
is legible and has no visible signs of tampering or reproduction.
3. The Commission consid ers acceptable forms of identification to include: any
identification carrying the PASS logo (for example Citizencard or Validate); a driving
licence (including provisional licence) with photocard; or a passport.
6.4 Code provision 3.2 states that “Procedures should be in place for dealing with cases
where a child or young person repeatedly attempts to gamble on category B or C machines,
including oral warnings, reporting the offence to the Commission and the police, and
making available information on problem gambling”.
7.0 RELEVANT SECTIONS OF HILLINGDON’S STATEMENT OF GAMBLING POLICY
7.1 Alcohol Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permits
At paragraph 6.29 it states that “If a premises wishes to have more than 2 machines, then
it needs to apply for a permit and the Licensing Authority must consider that application
based upon the licensing objectives, any guidance issued by the Gambling Commission
issued under Section 25 of the Gambling Act 2005, and ‘such matters as they think
relevant’”.
At paragraph 6.30 it states that “This Licensing Authority considers that such matters will
be decided on a case by case basis but generally there will be regard to the need to protect
children and vulnerable persons from harm or being exploited by gambling and will expect
Licensing Sub-Committee – 27 July 2026
Part I – Public
the applicant to satisfy the authority that there will be sufficient measures to ensure that
under-18 year olds do not have access to the adult-only gaming machines”.
At paragraph 6.31 it states that “Measures which will satisfy the authority that there will be
no access may include the adult machines being in sight of the bar, or in the sight of staff
that will monitor that the machines are not being used by those und er 18. Notices and
signage may also be helpful. As regards the protection of vulnerable persons applicants
may wish to consider the provision of information leaflets/helpline numbers for
organisations such as GamCare”.
At paragraph 6.32 it states that “T he Licensing Authority will usually expect holders of
gaming machine permits to ensure that the gaming machines are sited in accordance with
any relevant code of practice issued by the Gambling Commission and to ensure that they
can be adequately supervised whilst in use”.
At paragraph 6.33 it states that “It is recognised that some alcohol-licensed premises may
apply for a premises licence for their non -alcohol licensed areas. Any such application
would need to be applied for, and dealt with as an adult entertainment centre premises
licence”.
At paragraph 6.34 it states that “It should be noted that the Licensing Authority is
empowered to grant the application with a smaller number of machines and/or a different
category of machines than that applied fo r. Conditions (other than those restricting the
number or category of machines) cannot be attached”.
At paragraph 6.35 it states that “It should also be noted that the holder of a permit must
comply with any Code of Practice issued by the Gambling Commission about the location
and operation of the machine”.
8.0 LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
8.1 A Licensing Authority to whom an application is made under Schedule 13 of the Gambling
Act 2005 in respect of gaming machines shall consider it having regard to the licensing
objectives, any relevant guidance issued by the Commission under section 25 and such
other matters as they think relevant.
8.2 The three licensing objectives under the Gambling Act 2005 are:
preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with
crime or disorder, or being used to support crime
ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by
gambling.
8.3 On considering an application for a permit a Licensing Authority shall—
(a) grant the application,
(b) refuse the application, or
(c) grant it in respect of—
(i) a smaller number of machines than that specified in the application,
(ii) a different category of machines from that specified in the application, or
(iii) both.
8.4 A Licensing Authority may not attach conditions to a permit.
Licensing Sub-Committee – 27 July 2026
Part I – Public
8.5 A Licensing Authority may not refuse an application, or grant an application in respect of a
different category or smaller number of gaming machines than that specified in the
application, unless they have—
(a) notified the applicant of their intention to refuse the application, or grant the
application in respect of—
(i) a smaller number of machines than that specified in the application,
(ii) a different category of machines from that specified in the application, or
(iii) both, and
(b) given the applicant an opportunity to make representations.
8.6 A Licensing Authority may satisfy paragraph 8.5 by giving the applicant an opportunity to
make—
(a) oral representations,
(b) written representations, or
(c) both.
8.7 The holder of a permit may apply to the Licensing Authority to vary the number or category
(or both) of gaming machines authorised by the permit. Paragraphs 1 to 7 and 21 of
Schedule 13 shall have effect (with any necessary modifications) in relation to an
application for variation as they have effect in relation to an application for the issue of a
permit.
8.8 The decision determined by the Sub -Committee will be accompanied with clear, cogent
reasons for that decision, having had due regard to being reasonably consistent with the
Licensing Objectives; the Human Rights Act 1998; any relevant code of practice issued by
the Gambling Commission; any relevant guidance issued by the Commission under the
Gambling Act 2005; and Hillingdon’s Statement of Gambling Policy. The decision and the
reasons for that decision will be served on the Applicant as soon as is reasonably
practicable.
8.9 The Council in its capacity as Licensing Authority has a duty to have regard to its public
sector equality duty under s.149 of the Equality Act 2010. In summary s.149 provides that
a Public Authority must, in the exercise of its functions, have due regard to the need to:
i. Eliminate discrimination harassme nt, victimisation and any other conduct that is
prohibited by or under this Act;
ii. Advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected
characteristic and persons who do not share it; and
iii. Foster good relations between persons who share relevant protected characteristics
and persons who do not.
8.10 Section 149(7) of the Equality Act 2010 defines nine relevant protected characteristics
these are:
i. age
ii. gender reassignment
iii. being married or in a civil partnership
iv. being pregnant or on maternity leave
v. disability
vi. race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
vii. religion or belief
viii. sex
ix. sexual orientation
Licensing Sub-Committee – 27 July 2026
Part I – Public
8.11 Appeal
The applicant for or holder of a permit may appeal if the Licensing Authority—
(a) reject an application for a permit,
(b) grant an application for a permit in respect of a smaller number of machines than
that specified in the application or a different category of machines from that
specified in the application (or both), or
(c) give a notice under paragraph 16.
8.12 An appeal under must be instituted—
(a) in the magistrates' court for a local justice area in which the premises to which the
appeal relates are wholly or partly situated,
(b) by notice of appeal given to the designated officer, and
(c) within the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the appellant or holder
receives notice of the decision against which the appeal is brought.
8.13 On an appeal the magistrates' court may—
(a) dismiss the appeal;
(b) substitute for the decision appealed a gainst any decision that the Licensing
Authority could have made (with effect from such date and on such transitional or
other terms as the court may specify);
(c) restore a permit (with effect from such date and on such transitional or other terms
as the court may specify);
(d) remit the case to the Licensing Authority to decide in accordance with a direction of
the court;
(e) make an order about costs.
Text extracted automatically from the PDF, so layout, tables and images are not shown. Open the original PDF on LB Hillingdon’s website.