The Moon and Stars pub in Romford got permission to increase its gambling machines from six to seven after a licensing meeting.
Cllr Phillipa Crowder led the licensing group. They approved the change after some initial worries. Their concern was protecting kids from gambling risks.
Crowder and Cllr Christine Smith had questions. They wondered if staff could enforce “Challenge 21”. Staff might need to see the machines from the bar.
Wetherspoons stated they have managers on the floor who watch the gambling machines. The machines are always within sight.
Wetherspoons trains all staff on the Challenge 21 policy. Serve Legal also checks their fruit machines. The seventh machine will be near the other six, which are towards the front of the pub.
Fruit machine sales rose after reopening in October 2024. A consultant checks the pub’s machine performance and advised adding another machine for financial gain. This advice led to the request.