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:

The Licensing Service had dealt with a number of compliance and

enforcement matters between the 5^th December 2022 and the 22^nd January

2023.

BEST BAR NONE

The assessments had neared completion for the Best Bar None scheme. 10 premises in the town centre have passed and 3 more are likely to pass. An awards ceremony for the successful premises was due to take place in February when they will receive their accreditations. The new scheme for this year will also be launched on the same evening and this year it will be open to premises borough wide.

PARTNERSHIP WORKING

The Licensing Service had been working with Greater Manchester Police,

Trading Standards and a Tobacco detection dog undertaking visits to licensed

shops on the 6^th December 2022. 6 licensed premises were searched, and a

quantity of illicit tobacco products were found and two premises were found to

be in breach of their premises licence conditions.

The Licensing Service worked with Greater Manchester Police and a drug

detection dog on the 10^th December 2022 to ensure compliance with their

conditions of their licences during the World Cup. 10 licensed premises were

visited and searched. One male was found in possession of a small quantity of

cannabis and a number of snap bags either empty or containing the residue of

a white powder were found on the streets.

The Licensing Service worked with Greater Manchester Police on the 23^rd December 2022, numerous venues were visited to ensure compliance with their conditions of their licences during the Christmas and New Year Period. 12 premises were visited, and all premises were found to in order apart from one which was given advice regarding the use of the pavement outside for furniture.

NEW SECTION 182 GUIDANCE ISSUED

The Licensing Service are aware that new guidance had been issued and

effective from the 20^th December 2022. This has superseded the previous

guidance that was issued in April 2018. There are several changes in the new

guidance which are being reviewed by the Licensing Service. Any of the

amendments will incorporated in any future reports to the Licensing Hearings

Sub-Committee where required

IMMEDIATE REVOCATION OF A PRIVATE HIRE DRVIERS LICENCE

The Licensing Service received information from Greater Manchester Police in relation to a private hire drivers conduct which has resulted in him being charged for serious offences. The driver concerned had been given a right of reply before the Head of Public Protection and the Chair of this Committee considered taking action in the interests of Public Safety under the Road Safety Act 2006, it was felt appropriate to immediately revoke his private hire drivers licence on the 20^th January 2023.

TRADE LIAISON MEETING

On the 12^th January 2023, the Licensing Service and Greater Manchester Police held a trade liaison meeting with the trade, the minutes of the meeting will be published in due course on the Council’s Website.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.