Club gaming and machine permits
Certain premises, which are licensed for the sale of alcohol, are entitled to make a number of gaming machines available for use on their premises, if we have given permission to do so.
The permit holder must have the right to occupy the premises. However, the club cannot apply if they already hold a Gambling Act 2005 premises licence. The club must be established other than for gaming (except bridge or whist which are exempt).
There are also different permits available for certain premises.
Apply for a permit
Please note: Permits for machines in takeaways, taxi offices and so on are no longer granted.
Club machine permit
You can apply for a club machine permit if you want to have gaming machines in a social club, miner’s welfare institution or a commercial club. With this permit a member’s club can have up to three category B3A, B4, C or D machines (to include a maximum of 1 B3A machine) and a commercial club can have up to three category B4, C or D machines (but no B3A).
Club gaming permit
You can apply for a club gaming permit if you want to have both gaming machines and also equal chance gaming (for example, poker) and games of chance in a social club or miner’s welfare institution. Commercial clubs are excluded. With this permit you can have up to 3 category B3A B4, C or D machines (to include a maximum of 1 B3A machine) and prize gaming.
Prize gaming permit
If you want to run a premises that has facilities for gaming with prizes, you would need a prize gaming permit (unless you are a club that holds a club gaming permit). Prize gaming is where there is a prize available that is not determined by the number of people taking part or by the amount paid or raised by the game.
Alcohol licensed premises gaming machine permits
You can apply for a permit If your premises is licensed (under the Licensing Act 2003) to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises and you want to have more than 2 category C or D gaming machines. To be able to apply, the premises must have a bar that is used wholly or mainly for the sale or consumption of alcohol.
Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centre (UFEC)
You can apply for an UFEC gaming machine permit to provide an unlimited number of category D machines in a premises that caters for families.
Fees and charges
Current fees and charges can be found on our Fees and charges page.
Comment on an application
View all recent applications made to the licensing authority under the Gambling Act 2005, for new Premises Licences, variations or reviews of existing licences on our Recent licence applications page.
Public Register
The Gambling Act requires us to maintain a register of premises licences issued, permits issued and temporary use notices issued.
The registers can be viewed on our Public registers page.
Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles (Licensing Policy)
Somerset Council are required to produce a Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005.
The Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles can be viewed on our Licensing Policies and Policy Consultations page.