Taxi boss fined over gaming machines

THE owner of a Hull taxi firm has been ordered to pay thousands of pounds for keeping gaming machines in a rest area for drivers.

David Smith, 48, proprietor of Six 0 Cars, unlawfully kept two gaming machines in a private rest area for drivers at an office in Oslo Road.

Under changes brought in by the Gambling Act 2005 in July 2009, gaming machines are no longer permitted in general, non-gambling premises such as fish and chip shops, cafes, takeaway premises and mini-cab offices.

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Smith, from Hedon, pleaded not guilty to two offences under the Act but was found guilty at Hull Magistrates’ Court.

He was fined 1,797 and ordered to pay costs of 982 and a victim surcharge of 15.

The gaming machines and their cash contents were also forfeited.

After the hearing, Keith Fenner, senior licensing officer with Hull Citysafe, said: “We have a duty to enforce the gambling laws that are in place for the control of gambling to protect the wider public.

“I hope this case serves as a warning to others who have jackpot gaming machines on their premises to make sure they comply fully with the requirements of the law.”

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