Gambling - Commission call for action from Pub sector

We have previously highlighted the  publication of guidance jointly by the BBPA and UKHospitality.

This followed a series of test purchase operations carried out in respect of gaming machines in licensed premises.   Working with Local Authorities, the Gambling Commission carried out tests at 170 premises  across England and Wales and found an 84% failure rate.  A similar operation in 2018 found that 88% of pubs in England failed to prevent children accessing gaming machines.

The Gambling Commission feels that the results: 

“..suggest that the rules in place around these machines are still not being appropriately enforced and many employees are still unaware of the restrictions.”

The Gambling Commission’s Helen Rhodes is quoted in a recent statement released by the Commission:

‘’The results last year were extremely disappointing and we have supported local authorities in their action to raise standards. This includes working with the providers of training to the pub industry to emphasise the legal requirements in training materials, as well as with the Home Office to work towards including materials on gambling in pubs in the curriculum for the personal licence holder course. The British Beer and Pub Association and UK Hospitality have responded to our call by issuing guidance to their members on the importance of  enforcing the legal requirements. We urge the pub sector to respond to this opportunity to protect children and young people and to prevent the need for local authorities to take enforcement action.’’