Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillors R Brown and L McBriar.

There was no substitute representative for Councillors R Brown and 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 6^th November 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 6^th November 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 27^th October and the 30^th November 2025.

LICENSING HEARINGS SUB- COMMITTEE    

Following a request from Greater Manchester Police on the 11^th November 2025 for a summary review of the premises licence for Overdraught, 28-30 Blackburn Street, Radcliffe, M26 1NQ. The Licensing Authority were obliged to hold a hearing within 48 hours of the receipt of the police application to consider whether interim steps should be imposed to promote the Licensing Objectives.

The Licensing Hearings Sub-Committee considered the application on the 13^th November 2025. Members resolved to modify the conditions of the licence with immediate effectin order to promote the licensing objectives. 

The Sub-Committee was therefore satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to mean immediate interim steps were necessary for amendments to the current premises licence under the licensing objectives recommended by GMP for the Prevention of Crime and Disorder.

Addition conditions to be implemented were contained within the report attached to the agenda pack.

The Full review of the premises licence was held on the 3^rd December at 10.30am. An update of the decision made from this Licensing Hearings Sub-Committee was provided and the interim steps were to remain in place along with amendments to the licensing conditions.

IMMEDIATE SUSPENSIONS

The Licensing Service had immediately suspended a further 26 drivers for either not being registered on the update service or the certificate has changed since the last certificate has been issued.

PARTNERSHIP WORKING

The Licensing Service had submitted two prosecutions files for illegally plying for hire, no insurance and one driver was unlicensed. These drivers were from another Licensing Authority within Greater Manchester.

The Licensing Service alongside the APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency visited a farm following a complaint regarding the welfare of Cattle. An improvement notice was issued by APHA. A revisit was undertaken on the 27^th November and 5 improvement notices were served and a further update would be reported back at the next meeting.

A Member asked about the second testing station and it was reported that this had been awarded to Sunnybank with details on the length of contract provided.

A Member stated they had raised a complaint about cattle and enquired if a complainant would be notified if APHA visits and actions. The Licensing Unit Manager would speak to Officers and contact the Member in relation to this query.

Delegated decision:

It was agreed that the report be noted.

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 13/2025

The Executive Director (Corporate Core) submitted a report relating to Licence Holder 13/2025, who was in attendance at the meeting alongside their legal representative.

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 and their legal representative 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.

The Council’s legal advisor and 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 and their legal representative.

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.

Given the overriding duty to protect the public, the revocation was to take immediate effect, as permitted under Section 61(2B) of the Act, which allows for immediate suspension where it appears to the authority that such action is necessary in the interests of public safety.

The driver was informed of their right to appeal this decision to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of receiving written notification.

Licence Holder 14/2025

The Executive Director (Corporate Core) submitted a report relating to Licence Holder 14/2025 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 him being before the Committee.

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The Licensing Unit Manager reported and presented background information to the Committee on this case.

The Council’s legal advisor and 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 suspend the licence for a period of 6 months.

Given the overriding duty to protect the public, the suspension was to take immediate effect, as permitted under Section 61(2B) of the Act, which allows for immediate suspension where it appears to the authority that such action is necessary in the interests of public safety.

The driver was informed of their right to  ...  view the full minutes text for item LSP.8