Clause 267 - Gaming machines

Part of Gambling Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 10:45 am on 14 December 2004.

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Photo of Richard Caborn Richard Caborn Minister of State (Sport and Tourism), Department for Culture, Media & Sport 10:45, 14 December 2004

If a pub wants to apply for more machines, it can do so. The figure may be only 2 or 3 per cent., but the hon. Gentleman will know from when he and I were discussing the Licensing Bill that it is probably only 1 or 2 per cent. of premises in the middle of our city centres in some areas that create real problems with binge drinking and the like. We have to deal with that. Unfortunately, we have to legislate for those that are likely to try to take advantage. There are no limits at the moment. We are saying that it ought to be two machines and I am just trying to argue the rationale for that. We believe that the public want to be reassured and we are doing that. Equally, we are saying that, if there is a case for having more than two machines, that is fine and the case will go to the licensing authority.