Family entertainment centre licence
A family entertainment centre is defined as 'premises (other than an adult gaming centre) wholly or mainly used for making gaming machines available for use'.
Family entertainment centres fall into two categories:
- those with Gambling Commission operating licence
- those with a gaming machine permit issued by us.
Important notice: Delays in response times
Due to current staff shortages, we are experiencing delays in responding to enquiries. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding during this time. Please be assured that we are making every effort to process your application as soon as possible.
Thank you for your cooperation.
To operate a licensed family entertainment centre it will be necessary for the operator to obtain:
- a gaming machine general licence from the Gambling Commission
- a family entertainment centre premises licence from us.
An unlimited number of Category C and D gaming machines can be provided. Category C machines must, be located in an 'adult only' area.
An unlicensed family entertainment centre (category D gaming machines only) does not require a gaming machine general licence or premises licence.
However, it does require a family entertainment centre gaming machine permit.
Complete the Unlicensed FEC Machine Permit application form and send this with the relevant payment. Our licensing payments page explains what fees apply and how to pay them.
There is no minimum age limit.
Complete the gambling premises new application form and send this with the relevant payment.
The following forms can be used to help prepare your notice of application:
- Gambling notice of application for new premises licence form A- this is for an individual to send to the responsible authorities
- Gambling notice of application for new premises licence form B - this is for two or more individual applicants to send to the responsible authorities
- Gambling notice of application form for new premises licence form - this is to be displayed on the premises.
The time taken to process an application depends on each individual application. The time period can range from a minimum of one month up to two months, but this could be longer if appeals are made following a committee hearing.
When an application is submitted, a 28 day statutory consultation period will follow. This allows time for local residents, businesses and responsible authorities to give their responses to the application - known as 'representations'. This is done by considering the three licensing objectives.
If you are posting the application forms, you are required to also serve a copy of the application, including the accompanying documentation, to the responsible authorities on the same day as the application is given to us. If the application is submitted electronically, we will provide copies to the responsible authorities. We can only accept applications for premises within our local authority area.
There is no time limit for a family entertainment centre licence. You will not need to reapply again unless your circumstances change. You must however, pay an annual fee for both your operating licence and your premises licence.
Our licensing payments page explains what fees apply and how to pay them.
The Licensing Team is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy when you use our services. Please view Licensing Team Privacy Notices for further information. Printed copies are available on request.
Information for people working at licensed premises: Child sexual exploitation
Licensing Office opening times
Not available at this time.