Agenda item

A report by the Assistant Director (Legal and Democratic Services) is attached.

The Assistant Director (Legal and Democratic Services) submitted a report advising Members on operational issues within the Licensing Service.

                   The report set out updates in respect of the following issues:

·         Common Minimum Standards – Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Trade

The Licensing Managers’ Group, in respect of Common Minimum Standards, met on 12and 22 November and again on the afternoon of 6 December 2018, in relation to the development of conditions for drivers, vehicles and operators and to review the conviction guidelines across Greater Manchester.  Future meetings are scheduled and a revised timetable will be available in the New Year.

·         Taxi Operations

On 18 October 2018, Licensing Officers and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) took part in an operation inspecting licensed vehicles.  Nine private hire vehicles were inspected and issues identified were vehicle signage, use of magnets on signage, worn tyres, drivers not wearing badges and inappropriate conduct.  One hackney carriage vehicle had an issue with signage.  Some of the issues were dealt with on the night or resulted in written warnings and further operations will be undertaken in due course.

·         Scrap Metal dealers

On 15 October 2018, the Deputy Licensing Officer along with Greater Manchester Police inspected scrap metal yards in Pimhole, to ensure that records were accessible and no cash payments were being made.  Three of the yards had all records available to view.  The owner of the fourth yard was not available at the time of the visit but has since produced his records for inspection and no other issues were identified.

·         Multi Agency Partnership Visits

On 16 October 2018, the Deputy Licensing Officer took part in a multi-agency day of action along with other partner agencies from the Immigration Service, GMP, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Officers from Housing Standards and North West Electricity Housing Standards.  Six premises were visited of which two were licensed premises.

The first licensed premises visited had a number of issues breaching the licensing conditions.  The Premises Licence Holder (PLH) and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) were not present at the time of the visit and the PLH has been invited for PACE interview.

The second licensed premises visited had an employee working with no permission to work in the UK.  The electricity supply was unsafe and therefore this was disconnected and the premises was closed.  The PLH and DPS were not present at the time of the visit and subsequently Officers are considering the evidence which may result in further enforcement action being taken.

·         Safeguarding Training

Reports were presented to the Licensing and Safety Panel previously about the revised implementation of safeguarding training for new applicants and existing licence holders.  The Council’s procurement section has advised it will be necessary for a tender process to have been conducted and a draft tender document has been provided to procurement.  Subject to satisfactory bids the aim is to implement training before the end of the financial year.

·         Medicals – Group 2 standard

The Licensing Service have been contacted by two local medical practitioners regarding concerns following the requirement for the Doctor to confirm whether or not an applicant/licence holder complies with the Council’s Policy of Group 2 classification under the DVLA guidance fitness to drive.  Following discussions with the Assistant Director, Legal and Democratic Service, it was decided that should medical practitioners not confirm their patient’s fitness to drive, then the applicant/licence holder should utilise the alternative medical company as agreed by members in September 2017.

·         Adjourned consideration of a driver’s licence

At the last meeting on 17 October, 2018, a request was made for an adjournment by licence holder 18/2018, which was agreed by the Licensing and Safety Panel.  However, the private hire driver’s licence has since expired and no application to renew this has been received by the Council.

     It was agreed:

                   That the report be noted.