Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillors J Hook, L McBriar and I Rizvi.

Councillors M Hayes and G Staples-Jones acted as substitute representatives for Councillors J Hook and I Rizvi.

There was no substitute representative for Councillor L McBriar.

Members of the Licensing and Safety Panel are asked to consider whether they have an interest in any of the matters on the agenda, and if so, to formally declare that interest. 

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 29^th July 2025 are attached. Members of the Licensing and Safety Committee are asked to consider whether these are a correct record of the meeting, and if so, to formally approve them.

Delegated decision:

That the Minutes of the last meeting held on the 29^th July 2025 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Questions are invited from members of the public present at the meeting on any matters for which this Committee is responsible. Questions from members of the public may only be asked if notice has been given no later than midday two days before the day of the meeting.

A questioner who is present at the meeting and who has submitted a written question may, at the discretion of the Chair, ask one supplementary question. A supplementary question must arise directly out of the original question or the reply. A question must relate to an item included on the agenda, referenced in the Minutes or an area to which the committee has responsibility.

Approximately 30 minutes will be set aside for Public Question Time if required.

No questions had been pre submitted to the meeting and no members of the public were in attendance at the meeting.

A report from the Executive Director (Corporate Core) is attached.

The Executive Director (Operations) submitted a report advising Members on operational issues within the Licensing Service.

The report set out updates in respect of the following issues:

The Licensing Service had dealt with a number of compliance and enforcement matters between the 21^st July and the 17^th August 2025.

LICENSING HEARINGS SUB-COMMITTEE

On the 8^th July 2025, the Licensing Hearings Sub-Committee determined an objection notice in relation to an application for a Temporary Event notice between the hours of 20.30 to 03.00 on the 17^th July until 20^th July 2025 that had been received from Greater Manchester Police in respect of 65 Windsor Road, Prestwich. Members heard the evidence presented both by the

notice giver and Greater Manchester Police and decided to issue a counter notice pursuant to Section 105(2)(b) of the Licensing Act 2003. The Licensing Authority considered this necessary for the promotion of the Licensing Objectives which prevented the event from taking place.

On the 14^th July 2025, an application for a club premises certificate for Bolton Wyresdale Amateur Football Club, 65 Radcliffe Moor Road, Bolton, BL2 6RF. The application attracted 13 representations form interested parties. Members heard from the applicant and the representors and they decided to grant the application applied for.

On the 21^st August 2025, an application was heard for a premises licence for AY Lounge and Bar, 153 The Rock, Bury. The application attracted 1 representation from an interested party. Members heard from the applicant and the representors and decided to grant the application as applied for.

PARTNERSHIP WORKING

Officers from Bury Trading Standards, with the assistance of officers from the Council's Licensing Team, recently participated in two days of action on the 5^th and 6^th August 2025.

This was part of the Safer Summer initiative involved coordinated efforts from Trading Standards, Licensing, Greater Manchester Police (GMP), and Immigration. The operations involved intelligence led visits across Bury and Prestwich, focusing on convenience stores, vape shops, and barbers.

During these operations, the following items were seized:

• 447 illegal vapes
• 34,260 illicit sticks of tobacco (1713 packets)
• 8.4 kg of illicit hand-rolling tobacco (168 packets)
• 196 toys/keyrings

The total street value of the seized items from the operation combined is estimated at £37,500. Notably, investigators discovered concealed in ceiling tiles and other nooks and crannies, illicit tobacco in one shop.

DBS CONSENT

Members were reminded a report that was considered on the 5^th June 2025 in relation to the immediate suspension of licensed drivers who had not responded to the request to obtain their consent from the Licensing Service to undertake a check to ascertain if they are registered on the DBS update Service.

It was agreed that the Licensing and Safety Committee delegate to the Head of Public Protection, Licensing Unit Manager, and the Deputy Licensing Officer in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing and Safety Committee to immediately suspend Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers who have not given their consent to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item LSP.5

Any other business, which by reason of special circumstances, the Chair agrees may be considered as a matter of urgency.

No urgent business was reported at the meeting.

To consider passing the appropriate resolution under section 100 (A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business since it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information stated.

Delegated decision:

That in accordance with Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business since it involved the likely disclosure of information relating to individuals who hold Licences granted by the Authority or Applicants for Licences provided by the Authority. </AI7>

A report from the Executive Director (Corporate Core) is attached.

Licence Holder 11/2025

The Executive Director (Corporate Core) submitted a report relating to Licence Holder 11/2025, who was in attendance at the meeting. The Chair made introductions and alongside the legal advisor outlined the procedure to be followed and clarified that all those present had read the report. The report, which was accepted by the Licence Holder was presented by the Licensing Unit Manager and set out the reasons for the Licence Holder being before the Committee.

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The Licensing Unit Manager reported and presented background information to the Committee on this case which was included in the report contained within the private agenda pack.

A number of Members asked questions in relation to the case.

The driver was before members for consideration to be given as to his suitability to be a private hire driver in Bury.

Delegated decision:

The Committee carefully considered the report and oral representations by the Licence Holder.

Taking into account the Council’s Conviction Policy and Guidelines and in accordance with the powers granted under Section 61(1)(b) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, the Committee resolved to immediately revoke the licence.

The Committee concluded that the Licence Holder was not a fit and proper person.

The revocation was to take immediate effect, as permitted under Section 61(2B) of the Act, which allows for immediate suspension.