Agenda and minutes

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 raised in relation to any items on the agenda.

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 4 December 2014.  A copy of the minutes is attached.

Delegated decision:

That the Minutes of the Licensing and Safety Panel meeting held on 4 December 2014, 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 Panel is responsible.

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

Mr Charles Oakes of the Hackney Drivers’ Association Ltd attended the meeting and addressed the Licensing and Safety Panel in relation to the taxi rank on Market Street and the fact that this rank was not patrolled by the Civil Parking Enforcement Officers, unlike the other ranks in Bury Town Centre.  Mr Oakes asked what steps could be taken in order to rectify this.

The Head of Trading Standards and Licensing explained that the difficulty arises because the Council ranks are established under differing pieces of legislation.  For the older ranks established before the decriminalisation of parking offences, enforcement action is limited to Police Officers and GMP traffic wardens.  For the newer ranks, enforcement action is limited to the Council contractors.  On receipt of the complaint from Mr Oakes, colleagues in Traffic Management were asked for guidance but their response has not yet been received.

It was agreed to re-contact Traffic Management to explain that the matter had now been raised at the Licensing and Safety Panel, with the hope of finding a solution.

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

There was no urgent business to report 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.

A report by the Assistant Director (Localities) is attached.

1.Applicant 39/2014 attended the meeting and was represented by Mr Oakes of the Hackney Drivers’ Association Ltd and supported by his wife and daughter.

Mr Oakes addressed the Panel and requested that this hearing be adjourned until the next meeting, to be held on 12 February 2015.

Delegated decision:

It was agreed unanimously by the members of the Licensing and Safety Panel that this matter be deferred to the next meeting, to be held on 12 February 2015.

2.      Licence holder 40/2014 attended the meeting and was represented by Mr Ahmed, Solicitor.  The Chair outlined the procedure to be followed and the Licensing Manager read the report submitted by the Assistant Director (Localities), which was accepted by the licence holder and his representative.

The licence holder and his representative were given the opportunity to

address the Panel and Mr Ahmed, Solicitor, read a statement of mitigation on behalf of the licence holder.

Delegated decision:

The Panel carefully considered the report and the oral representations made by the licence holder and his Solicitor and after taking into consideration the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, the Panel resolved, unanimously, to admonish the licensee as to future conduct. 

A report by the Assistant Director (Localities) is attached.

1.      Applicant 41/2014 did not attend the meeting and the Licensing Manager explained that the Applicant had been in contact that morning to explain he was unwell and would be unable to attend the meeting.

The Licensing and Safety Panel agreed to defer the matter until the next meeting.

2.      Applicant 42/2014 attended the meeting and was supported by his Son.  The Chair outlined the procedure to be followed and the Licensing Manager presented the report submitted by the Assistant Director (Localities), which was accepted by the Applicant and his Son.

Delegated decision:

The Panel considered the written report and oral representations made by the Applicant and his Son and determined the Applicant to be a fit and proper person in accordance with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and resolved, unanimously, to grant the application.