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:

 

COMPLIANCE/ENFORCEMENT

 

The Licensing Service had dealt with a number of compliance and

enforcement matters for between the 25^th October and 5^th

December 2021 and these details were attached to the report in the

agenda pack.

 

SECOND TESTING STATION

As detailed at the Licensing and Safety Committee on 22 July 2021,

the Licensing Service have been working with the Council’s

Procurement team to procure a second taxi testing station in the

borough. Unfortunately, the tender closed with no bids received

from garages. The Councilhad since been working to understand

the barriers to garages applying and some adjustments were

made to specification. In addition, training support has been

provided through a presentation to assist garages. The tender has

now been readvertised and all garages have again been contacted

to make them aware of the opportunity and the support available.

The tender opportunity would close at midday on 22 December

2021. This information had been communicated to the taxi trade,

private hire operators and trade representatives by email.

 

RECENT INCIDENTS

 

On the 19 November 2021, the Licensing Service sent an email to

taxi trade, private hire operators and trade representatives to offer

some reassurance that they are aware of an incident in Liverpool

and another in Rochdale that involved taxi drivers. The Council

understand this will be a worrying time for the trade and Bury

Council and GMP want to reaffirm a commitment to working withthe

trade to tackle antisocial behaviour. Drivers had been reminded that

any issues should be reported to GMP via 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, if reporting a crime that does not need an emergency

response, please use 101 or report it online. If support or training is

required from the Council or GMP please inform the Licensing

Department and they will see if there is any way to assist.

 

THE HEALTH PROTECTION (CORONAVIRUS, WEARING OF FACE

COVERINGS)(ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2021

 

Following the introduction of the new regulations on the 30^th

November 2021, the Licensing Service had emailed all licensed

drivers, private hire operators and trade representatives to inform

them of the new regulations. The email included a poster which can

be printed and displayed both in the vehicles and in the Private Hire

Operator bases.

 

RECENT PARTNERSHIP WORKING

 

On the 3^rd December 2021, enforcement officers from the Licensing

Service undertook a joint night time operation with officers from

Greater Manchester Police and a compliance officer from the

Security Industry Authority (SIA). They visited 10 late night venues

located within Bury Town Centre and a number of issues were

identified. The issues identified included door staff failing to display

their Security Industry Authority authorisation and late-night

venues failing to adhere to their licensing conditions – namely

failing to prevent noise nuisance. Advice and verbal warnings were

given to ensure compliance.

 

On the 6^th December 2021, enforcement officers from the Licensing

Service participated in Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Saturn

along with a number of other partnership agencies. Operation

Saturn is a monthly exercise with the aim of reducing anti-social

behaviour. Staff from the Licensing Service in partnership with

Trading Standards and Officers from Greater Manchester Police

visited 12 businesses who buy and sell second hand goods. Advice

was given to those business on how to minimise the risk of handling

stolen goods and ensuring the businesses are registered with the

Licensing Service.

 

GAMBLING ACT – STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

 

Members were reminded that at the meeting on the 11^th November

2022, a report outlined the revised Statement of principles. This was

approved and was referred to Full Council on the 24^th November 2021

for adoption. It was adopted by Full Council and comes into effect on

the 23^rd January 2022. 

 

At the Committee meeting Officers were asked to provide a

summary of in relation to how, as a council we could adequately

deal with gambling premises applications and in particular how we

could reduce the harm of gambling to individuals.

 

The legislation and the documentation outlined fully in the report

attached to the agenda are what the authority and applicant must

take into account when considering and making applications.

 

Members present at the meeting enquired about the problem with

the tendering process for the second testing station and the Head of

Public Protection provided an explanation which involved lowering

the level of insurance required. The procurement document would

be shared and circulated to Members of the committee for their

information.

 

It was agreed:

 

That the report be noted.