The Licensing Sub-Committee of Hillingdon Council met on Wednesday 3 June 2026 to consider an application to vary a licensed premises gaming machine permit. The meeting's agenda included a single item concerning an application for the variation of a gaming machine permit at J.J. Moons Public House.

Application to Vary Gaming Machine Permit at J.J. Moons

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application to vary the Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit for J.J. Moons Public House, located at 12 Victoria Road, Ruislip Manor, HA4 0AA. The application, submitted by Jennie Odell, Licensing Paralegal at J.D. Wetherspoon PLC, sought to increase the number of Category C gaming machines from five to six.

The report pack detailed that the application was made in accordance with the procedures set out in Section 283 of the Gambling Act 2005. It was noted that this procedure does not require consultation with responsible authorities or the publication of advertising notices. Hillingdon's Statement of Gambling Principles 2025-2028 requires the Licensing Sub-Committee to determine applications for more than five gaming machines.

The premises, J.J. Moons, already holds a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 for the sale of alcohol, provision of recorded music, and late-night refreshment. Permit holders are required to comply with the Gambling Commission's code of practice for Gaming Machine Permits. The report outlined the different categories of gaming machines, their maximum stakes, and prizes, as well as the legal implications of the application under the Gambling Act 2005.

Key legal considerations included promoting the three licensing objectives: preventing gambling from being a source of crime and disorder, ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and protecting children and vulnerable persons from harm. The report referenced guidance from the Gambling Commission and Hillingdon's Statement of Gambling Policy, which generally presumes in favour of granting applications unless there is evidence of conflict with licensing objectives.

The report also detailed relevant sections of the Gambling Commission's Code of Practice, including requirements for supervision of machines, preventing underage gambling, and handling customer complaints. It highlighted that gambling should remain ancillary to the main purpose of the premises and that permits are reliant on the premises holding a valid alcohol licence.

Hillingdon's Statement of Gambling Policy was also referenced, particularly regarding the protection of children and vulnerable persons, and the expectation that applicants demonstrate sufficient measures to prevent under-18s from accessing adult-only gaming machines. The policy suggests that adult machines should be in sight of the bar or staff, and that notices and signage can be helpful.

The report indicated that the Sub-Committee could grant the application, refuse it, or grant it for a different number or category of machines. It was noted that a licensing authority cannot attach conditions to a permit. The council also has a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between persons who share protected characteristics.

The report pack included copies of the application form, a plan of the premises, the current permit for five Cat C machines, the current Premises Licence, the Gambling Commission's code of practice, and J.D. Wetherspoon's Gaming Machine Policy. The recommendation was that the Licensing Sub-Committee determine the application.