Don't gamble on AWPs

Licensees will be "ruining it for the entire pub trade" if they are caught not supervising their gaming machines.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said the change in maximum stakes and prizes for pub gaming machines could be under threat if licensees are discovered not supervising their machines effectively.

From October 27 pubs can increase the maximum AWP prize to £35 while the stake is increased to 50p from 30p.

A spokesperson for the DCMS said: "We will be checking and if you are not supervising your machines then you will be ruining it for everybody. Rather than say you will be fined we say it's in the pub trade's interest for you to comply."

Although there will be no individual penalties for licensees, those who fail to comply with a new voluntary code of conduct could present problems for the whole pub trade.

The new rules require licensees providing gaming machines, such as pub fruit machines, to protect the interests of children and vulnerable people. All machines will now display the GamCare help line number and have clear signage forbidding play by under 18s.

A new voluntary code of practice on responsible management, set to be published by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), will clarify what licensees need to do to ensure that there is no underage play on their premises.

The new code says staff should challenge any player they suspect of being under the age of 18 by asking for proof of age, tell them in clear terms that they are not allowed to play the machine and ask them to leave if they persist.

Neil Williams, communications manager for the BBPA, said: "We are confident that the guidance will be effective. We expect an inspection regime will be implemented shortly."