Agenda item

A report from the Executive Director (Operations) 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:

AMENDMENTS TO THE LICENSING ACT 2003

The Licensing Service had been made aware that there had been some amendments to the Licensing Act 2003 which came into force on the 16^th September 2021. The changes were detailed in the report.

Members of the Committee asked if the licence trade had been consulted with in relation to Licensing Act changes.

PARKLIFE

The annual Parklife festival at Heaton Park took place on Saturday 11^th and Sunday 12^th September with New Order on Friday 10^th. Public Protection Officers worked throughout all the events over the three days and were joined by the Covid marshals.

Officers carried out checks found the following issues: -

·         Licensed vehicles with incorrect signage

·         Large number of licensed private hire vehicles from outside of Bury being moved on

·         Various street traders (including 2 ice cream vans) were moved on for not having a valid street trading consent for Bury.

·         Visits to Licensed premises including off licences were undertaken

·         Pedlars who did not hold a valid pedlars certificate issued by the police were moved on.

·         People trading from their driveways closed down due to lack of street trading consent despite prior warning being given.

Officers are currently reviewing their findings to inform any future events that take place at Heaton Park.

Councillors commented on the Parklife section of the report, querying its licensing arrangements and raising the question why Covid Marshals were present at the event and requested a job description of the role. Members also questioned the issue of trading from private driveways.

COMPLIANCE/ENFORCEMENT

Details were listed in the report about the Licensing Service dealing

with Licensing Act and Hackney Carriage/Private Hire compliance

and enforcement matters (Between the period 30^th August- 27^th

September).

ENGAGEMENT WITH THE TAXI TRADE – Stage 2

On the 22^nd September 2021, a taxi trade liaison meeting took place, the Licensing Unit Manager briefed national and local trade representatives on the stage 2 proposals of the common minimum licensing standards relating to vehicles.

GAMBLING ACT 2005 – STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

The Licensing Authority (the Council) are consulting on the 3-year review of the Councils Statement of Principles. The consultation period will close on 22 October 2021. At the end of the consultation period, the review will be brought before the Licensing and Safety Committee for consideration. The new Statement of Principles including any amendments to the existing policy will become effective from the 31January 2022.

EV CHARGING POINTS

The Licensing Service had been liaising with the Hackney Carriage

and Private Hire Trade regarding the siting of dedicated electric

vehicle charging points that are specifically for the trade. 2

proposed locations detailed in the report had been identified and

they are currently undergoing feasibility studies.

The Licensing Service had asked trade representatives to identify another suitable location and this work was ongoing.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.