Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillor M Walsh.

There was no substitute representative for Councillor M Walsh.

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 19th March 2026 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 19^th March 2026 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 (Corporate Core) 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 2^nd – 29^th March 2026.

LICENSING HEARINGS SUB- COMMITTEES

On the 12^th March 2026, a Licensing Hearings Sub-Committee considered a review application in respect of the Overdraft, 28/30 Blackburn Street, Radcliffe, M26 1NQ. It was therefore unanimously resolved to take no further action in order to promote the licensing objectives. 

The Sub-Committee was therefore satisfied that with the change in management there were no grounds of concern to administer any modifications or amendments to the current premises licence with all current conditions remaining in place.  

On the 16^th March 2026, a Licensing Hearings Sub-Committee considered a variation application in respect of the Hideout Gastro Bar, 2 Sherbourne Street, Prestwich, M25 3BB. the sub-committee carefully considered all the representations and evidence provided. It was therefore agreed that the Sub- Committee unanimously grant the variation in the terms requested subject to an additional condition 13A on the operating schedule to state that no speakers or sound system should be fixed or placed adjacent to the party wall to the neighbouring property. 

On the 20^th March 2026, a Licensing Hearings Sub-Committee considered a grant application for a premises licence in respect of Touch of Spice, 32 Church Street West, Radcliffe, M26 2SQ. All of the evidence was considered with care, and it was established that having understood the application and equally noting and understanding the representations, the Sub-Committee found there were no causes for concern so far as the promotion of the licensing objectives were concerned.

The application was similar to the previous licence held at the premises until recently and there had been no formal complaints made in the past about noise nuisance. To address any concerns for the representor, an adjustment was made to shorten the opening times and the hours for late night refreshment  from those requested in the application. It was noted that not all the representations were directly related to the premises.

Also on the 20^th March 2026, a Licensing Hearings Sub-Committee considered a grant application for a premises licence in respect of the Daily Connects, 480a Bury Old Road, Prestwich, M25 1NL. The sub-committee carefully considered all the representations and evidence provided and it was established that having understood the application and equally noting and understanding the representations, the Sub-Committee found there were causes for concern so far as the promotion of the licensing objectives were concerned.

It was therefore agreed unanimously that the Sub- Committee refuse the application. 

A Member asked about the Private Hire and Hackney support fund and the Licensing Unit Manager provided an update on this matter. It was still not confirmed when the Private Hire application for funding would open.

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 19/2026

The Executive Director (Corporate Core) submitted a report relating to client number 19/2026, 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.

Members of the Committee 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 3 months.

The Committee concluded a period of suspension was necessary and proportionate. The Committee were also satisfied that immediate suspension was required in the interests of public safety in accordance with Section 61(2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. 

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

Licence Holder 17/2026

The Executive Director (Corporate Core) submitted a report relating to client 17/2026, who was not in attendance at the meeting.

The Licensing Unit Manager reported that the Licence Holder and their legal representative had requested that the case be deferred until a future meeting due to a personal reason.

The Licensing Unit Manager reminded Members that the case had already been deferred at the February 2026 meeting at the request of the Licence Holder and their legal representative.

Members were in agreement that there was enough information contained within the report to proceed in the absence of the Licence Holder and their legal representative.

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

Members of the Committee 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 all the evidence available.

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 take no action against the Licensee.

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