TWELVE gaming machines have been seized from eight different premises in Warrington as a result of a multi-agency clampdown on suspected illegal machines.
Police, the borough council, HM Revenue and Customs and officers from the Gambling Commission took part in the operation.
Many of the machines are understood to have been in takeaway
shops.
When gaming machines are made available for use on specific premises the operators must have either an operating licence from the Commission and a premises licence from their local licensing authority or, in some cases, a specific permit from their local licensing authority.
The machines were confiscated by HMRC who are also continuing their enquiries into the non-payment of Amusement Machine Licence Duty (AMLD) on the relevant machines.
Inspector Richard Reeves, of Warrington Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “The town has many licensed premises that offer late night refreshments, the sale of alcohol and gaming machines. The majority are committed to working with the relevant authorities to provide the public with a high level of service but it seems that there are a minority who seem to have little or no regard for the laws that govern them.
“We hope the action taken in Warrington town centre shows that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.
“People who make money from unlicensed machines and unpaid revenue are committing criminal and civil offences. This was a really successful partnership operation that involved a number of agencies. We will all continue to work closely together to identify any other premises suspected of breaching licensing rules and regulations.”
A council spokesperson said: “This sends out a clear message that any kind of illegal gambling will not be tolerated and we will join forces to stamp it out.”
