The Licensing Sub-Committee of Hillingdon Council met on Monday 27 July 2026 to consider an application to vary a licensed premises gaming machine permit. The committee granted the application to increase the number of Category D gaming machines at Hollywood Bowl & Puttstars.

Application to Vary a Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit: Hollywood Bowl & Puttstars

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted the application to vary the licensed premises gaming machine permit for Hollywood Bowl & Puttstars, located at Unit 220, The Chimes (Upper Mall), Uxbridge UB8 1QJ. The variation sought to increase the number of Category D gaming machines from 35 to 43. The number of Category C machines remained unchanged at five.

The application was brought before the committee because Hillingdon's Statement of Gambling Policy¹ requires applications for five or more machines to be determined by a sub-committee. The existing permit, granted on 7 March 2024, had not resulted in any issues.

During the hearing, it was clarified that the increase in Category D machines did not represent 43 separate physical machines, but rather 43 playing positions. Some machines, such as penny falls machines, can have multiple positions within a single unit, and this is how the Gambling Commission categorises them.

The applicant, represented by Ewen Macgregor and Steve Smart (Amusement Support Manager at Hollywood Bowl), confirmed that the five Category C machines, which are restricted to individuals aged 18 and over, are located near the bar and are equipped with facial recognition technology for age verification. All staff receive age verification training, and the gaming areas are supervised by staff.

Concerns raised by councillors included whether the additional machines would compromise floor space, fire exits, or overall comfort. The applicant assured the committee that machine installations across their numerous sites have never compromised fire escape access or egress.

Regarding age verification for Category D machines, the applicant explained that if the system prompts for age verification, staff would check identification and input a four-digit code before gaming could commence. Records of individuals refused for being underage are maintained.

The committee also inquired about identifying signs of problem gambling or continuous play. The applicant stated that machines are monitored, staff are encouraged to engage with customers about their spending, and warning labels for organisations like GamCare² are present on all machines. The venue has ample space, which allows for the potential placement of test machines in the future.

No objections were received from responsible authorities or interested parties. The Gambling Commission also raised no objections to the application.

The Sub-Committee considered the Gambling Act 2005³, the licensing objectives, the Gambling Commission's guidance and codes of practice, and Hillingdon's Statement of Gambling Policy⁴. They were satisfied that the applicant demonstrated sound knowledge of the licensing objectives and that their precautions and mitigation measures were sufficient to promote them. The committee concluded that the applicant would comply with the licensing objectives.

The decision to grant the application was announced by Councillor Darran Davies, Chair of the Licensing Sub-Committee. The applicant has the right to appeal this decision to the Uxbridge Magistrates' Court within 21 days of receiving the written notice.