The Licensing Sub-Committee of Hillingdon Council met on Wednesday 03 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 to increase the number of gaming machines at a local public house.

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

The committee was scheduled to consider an application to vary a licensed premises gaming machine permit for J.J. Moons Public House, located at 12 Victoria Road, Ruislip Manor, Hillingdon, 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 indicated that the application was made in accordance with the procedures set out in the s.283 of the Gambling Act 2005¹. Hillingdon's Statement of Gambling Principles 2025-2028 requires the Licensing Sub-Committee to determine applications for more than five gaming machines. The premises already holds a Premises Licence² under the Licensing Act 2003 for the sale of alcohol, provision of recorded music, and late-night refreshment.

The report detailed the categories of gaming machines, their maximum stakes, and prizes. It also outlined the legal implications for the Sub-Committee, which included promoting the three licensing objectives of the Gambling Act 2005: 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 highlighted that the Gambling Act 2005 establishes a presumption in favour of granting applications, meaning refusal or restrictive conditions must be justified by evidence demonstrating a conflict with the licensing objectives.

Relevant sections of the Gambling Commission's Code of Practice and Guidance to Licensing Authorities were referenced, emphasizing that gambling should remain ancillary to the main purpose of the premises and that licensing authorities should aim to permit gambling where it is reasonably consistent with the licensing objectives. The report also referred to Hillingdon's Statement of Gambling Policy, which generally considers applications on a case-by-case basis, with a focus on protecting children and vulnerable persons.

The report pack included copies of the application form, the plan of the premises, the current permit for five Cat C machines, the current Licensing Act 2003 Premises Licence, the Gambling Commission's code of practice for Gaming Machine Permits, and J.D. Wetherspoon's Gaming Machine Policy.

The recommendation within the report was that the Licensing Sub-Committee determine the application.