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 12^th February and 31^st May 2024.

LICENSING HEARINGS SUB-COMMITTEE

On the 13^th March 2024, an application for a new premises licence for Rock News, 141 The Rock, Bury was considered by Licensing Hearing Sub-Committee. Representations had been received from three Responsible Authorities namely Greater Manchester Police, the Licensing Authority and Trading Standards. Before the hearing the applicant decided to withdraw his application, therefore the hearing did not take place.

On the 18^th March 2024, an application for a variation of a premises licence for The Bower, 403 Bolton Road West, Ramsbottom, BL0 9RN was considered by Licensing Hearing Sub-Committee. A representation had been received from an interested party. Members considered the application and resolved to grant the application without any amendments.

An application for a review of a premises licence for Off Licence, 146 Tottington Road, Bury, BL8 1RU, made by Trading Standards, was considered by the Licensing Hearing Sub-Committee on the 11^th April 2024. Representations had been received from the Licensing Authority and Greater Manchester Police. The outcome was to revoke the licence and to remove the Designated Premises Supervisor in order to promote the licensing objectives.

PRESENTATION TO BURY BLIND SOCIETY

On the 28^th March 2024, the Licensing Unit Manager carried out a presentation to Bury Blind Society about Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing. An email of thanks had been received stating the following: -

On behalf of all of us at BBS, just wanted to thank you for coming along on Wednesday.  Everyone found your session interesting and useful.  It was also good to be made aware of the regular communication pathway between Bury Council and the taxi firms. 

APPEAL AGAINST REFUSAL TO GRANT A HACKNEY CARRIAGE VEHICLE LICENCE

Members were reminded that on the 14^th September 2023, an application to grant a Hackney Carriage licence was considered following the vehicle being written off. The vehicle proprietor appealed against the Licensing and Safety Committee decision to the Crown Court at Minshull Street, Manchester. This matter was heard, and the Judge and the two Magistrates decided to dismiss the appeal and award £400 towards the Council’s costs.           

OPERATION AVRO

Officers from across Public Protection took part in Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Avro on the 21^st March. In the morning roadside stops were carried out, 14 taxis (3 of which were not licensed by Bury) and 1 scrap metal dealer were spoken to by Licensing Officers, 1 taxi was suspended for a tyre that was nearly at legal limit and various breaches of conditions were identified. In the afternoon Licensing Officers visited 12 premises alongside Trading Standards Officers and Greater Manchester Police. Immigration and a tobacco dog accompanied officers for 5 of those premises. 4240 illicit cigarettes were seized, 1.1kg of Hand rolling tobacco, and 912 illegal vapes with a street value of £12,214. 3 premises had breaches of licensing conditions, 1 of which had serious issues.

Delegated decision:

It was agreed that the report be noted.