Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

None.

It was confirmed that all items would be heard in Part I.

None.

Introduction

Jhini Mukherjee, Licensing Officer, introduced the application for a Licensed Premises Gaming Machines Permit for 5 Category C and 35 Category D Gaming Machines in respect of Hollywood Bowl and Puttstars Unit 220, The Chimes (upper mall), Uxbridge UB8 1QJ.

It was noted that the London Borough of Hillingdon’s Statement of Gambling Policy required a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing to be held for more than 5 gaming machines. The premises had the benefit of a premises licence for the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment and the provision of late-night refreshment.

The Sub-Committee was informed that the premises would be used as a multi-functional entertainment/bowling complex, bar, mini golf course and had an arcade area. Permit holders were required to comply with the gaming machine permits. The applicant had submitted additional documents relating to the brands they held, history of the company, different machines used with explanatory diagrams and various procedures and policies. There was also information on age verification procedures to prevent the underage use of machines.

The Applicant

Representatives from The Original Bowling Company Limited (TOBC) - Darryl Lewis – Chief Operating Officer/Tony Stone – Head of Amusements and the Applicant’s representative Matthew Phipps – TLT addressed the Committee. 

By way of background, this was an application by Hollywood Bowls and Puttstars who operate nationally on an identical template on what had been proposed. Uxbridge had been identified as a town that had the demographics of those who used this type of entertainment facility elsewhere in the country. It was submitted that this was an opportunity to rejuvenate dead space which would most likely open in early 2025.

It was highlighted that in order for a licensed premises gaming machine permit to be granted, the licensing objectives had to be satisfied. 

The Committee was provided an overview of the bundle of documents which included a written submission, background on the company, information on game age verification policies, audit processes, photographs of the machine and images of some of the notice materials. It was submitted that the Licensing Sub-Committee should grant the application for a licensed premises gaming machine permit to The Original Bowling Company Limited as it was an experienced operator, the sites were supported by trained staff, the application was in line with similar applications across the country and there were no objections to the application.

Discussion

During the meeting, Members, the Licensing Officer and the Applicant discussed the following points:

• Further clarification was sought on the location of the bar on site and this was demonstrated on the plan for Members.
• Although the General Manager and team had not been appointed for the site yet, TOBC was responsible for amusements throughout the space overall.
• TOBC would continue its contract with Blueprint Gaming Machines and all machines would have age verification facilities.
• The team worked alongside the age verification mechanisms in place so if there were any issues the team would be able to pick this up and issue a call log. The age verification was tested on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.