Memorandum submitted by the Federation of Licensed
Victuallers Associations
The Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations looks
after the interests of self-employed licensees, ie tenants, leaseholders
and free traders, the majority of whom are single operators running
small businesses.
Without income from machines many public houses would be
unviable and would have to close.
Whilst the FLVA welcomes part of the Government's proposals
we feel that in certain areas these would be detrimental to public
houses.
Set out below are the FLVAs views regarding the Budd Report
and the Safe Bet.
— The FLVA supports the view that there should be
one single regulator—the Gambling Commission.
— We do not support the view that local authorities
should take over the responsibilities from the Magistrates and
have the authority to impose blanket bans on gambling activities.
— The FLVA agrees with the Budd Report that clubs
and public houses should be treated equally.
— We are of the opinion that to take away the jackpot
machines from clubs would be unfair and would lead to closures.
— We believe that public houses as well as clubs
should be allowed to have jackpot machines on their premises for
the benefit of their customers.
— The £25 pay out and 30p stake should be reviewed
on a regular basis by the Gambling Commission as against it being
increased by the retail price index.
— The FLVA objects to the proposals in the Safe
Bet Report that children should not be allowed into areas
in public houses where machines are installed. Public houses are
well controlled and do not allow under 18s to play machines.
— Under present legislation, 14 year olds plus are
allowed into any area of a public house with no restrictions.
If legislation went through not allowing children in areas where
machines are—what age group would be excluded?
16 May 2002
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