Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies from absence.

The minutes of the meeting held on 29 October 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any disclosable pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interest in respect of matters contained in the agenda.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests.

There was no public participation.

Report of the Chief Executive enclosed

The Chief Executive submitted a report seeking Committee’s approval of the proposed Licensing Enforcement Policy.  The report also provided an update as to licensing enforcement which has been carried out in relation to the licensing functions delegated to this Committee for the period 1 October 2024 to 31 December 2024.

The existing Licensing Enforcement policy had been in place since 2006 and required updating to such an extent that it was more appropriate for it to be replaced with a new policy.  The Head of Legal and Democratic Services advised Members as to the scope of the policy and confirmed that it covers all licensing functions including those that fall under the Environmental Health department/Health and Housing Committee. 

Councillor S Hore was granted permission to speak and made a request for some further detail and clarification on some sections of the policy.

Members discussed the proposed policy and sought further time to consider it fully. It was proposed and seconded that the policy be brought back to the next Committee meeting.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:

Agree to defer approval of the updated Licensing Enforcement policy to the next Licensing Committee on 25 March 2025 to allow time for further consideration.

Report of the Chief Executive enclosed

The Chief Executive submitted a report seeking Committee’s approval for the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to nominate officers to the Security Industry Authority (“the SIA”) for such officers to be granted powers of inspection by the SIA under Section 19(2) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (“the Act”) and to arrange any training that may be required.

Such powers were granted by Committee in November 2021. However, Members were advised that the power delegated by the SIA was time limited and now required renewal.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:

Approve the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to

1.     nominate Council officers to the Security Industry Association to be granted powers of inspection by the SIA under Section 19(2) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001; and

2.     arrange for any appropriate training for Council officers so nominated.

Report of the Chief Executive enclosed

The Chief Executive submitted a report asking Committee to consider the guidance on Determining the Suitability of Applicants in the Hackney and Private Hire Trades which had been issued by the Institute of Licensing (“the Guidance”), and to seek Committee’s views on its adoption.

On 3 September 2024 Members had confirmed that they were content with the draft Guidance on which the Institute of Licensing were consulting.  The updated Guidance is slightly amended from the draft but largely still conforms with the Council’s existing Statement of Policy and Guidance on Relevant Convictions (“the Convictions Policy”).

The Council also has a comprehensive Policy for the Licensing of Hackney Carriage Drivers and Private Hire Operators, Drivers and Vehicles (“the Policy”) to which the Guidance would apply.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:

Adopt the Guidance and authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to review the Policy, the Convictions Policy and the Council’s current licence conditions and procedures, to ensure that there is a consistent approach to that advocated in the Guidance.

Report of the Chief Executive enclosed

The Chief Executive submitted a report seeking Committee’s approval for consultation on a proposed amendment to the Council's Policy for the Licensing of Hackney Carriage Drivers and Vehicles, Private Hire Operators and Vehicles (‘the Policy’) regarding CCTV in vehicles.

Currently the Council does not require CCTV to be installed in licensed vehicles but a Member had asked that Committee consider recommending CCTV to be fitted to all Hackney and Private Hire vehicles in order to safeguard local residents, visitors and drivers.

The Council’s Solicitor outlined the approach adopted by neighbouring authorities, noting that none of them mandate having CCTV.  Members were also informed of potential issues that may arise from requiring CCTV in taxis.

Members debated the matter with particular reference to issues such as data protection, costings and safety aspects.  Councillor Brocklehurst believed that there was funding available for installing CCTV in taxis.  He further confirmed that he could provide officers with details of a specialist who could provide further advice on this matter.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:

Agree to defer the matter to the next Licensing Committee on 25 March 2025 to allow time for further information to be collated, which will include officers making enquiries with a specialist recommended by Councillor Brocklehurst and considering potential funding options.

Report of the Chief Executive enclosed

The Chief Executive submitted a report informing Committee of the expiry of the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) in respect of the Whalley and Painter Wood Ward on 30 April 2025, and seeking Committee’s approval for review of the CIA.

The imminent expiry of the CIA had been considered by Committee on 11 June 2024 and 29 October 2024 and the report detailed this, along with outlining the scope and effect of the CIA.  Evidence had been collated to create an evidence base, and a draft CIA was considered.

If approved, the CIA would be subject to a formal consultation for a period of six weeks.  Ultimately, if the CIA is to be accepted, it would be referred to Full Council for inclusion within the Council’s Licensing Policy.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:

Approve the draft CIA attached at Appendix 2 to the report to form the basis of consultation as set out at 1.4 in the CIA.

Report of the Chief Executive enclosed

The Chief Executive submitted a report informing Committee of progress in respect of seeking to establish further Hackney Carriage stands (taxi ranks) in the borough and seeking approval for further consultation with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and the police.

Several potential taxi rank locations had been identified, namely:

-        Clitheroe – Wellgate and Greenacre Street

-        Whalley – Accrington Road and King Street

-        Longridge – Barclay Road

All of these ranks would be restricted to evening/night-time use.

It was noted that on 20 November 2024, LCC issued a draft order which would introduce parking restrictions on Barclay Road, Longridge between 8am to 6pm.  It was therefore proposed that LCC be consulted on this.  Thereafter, it was recommended that there should be formal consultation with the police regarding the above locations. 

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:

Authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to consult LCC and thereafter the police as specified in paragraph 3.8 of the report.

Report of the Chief Executive enclosed

Committee noted the report submitted by the Chief Executive updating Committee on training and refresher training required for door supervisors.

Report of the Chief Executive enclosed

Committee noted the contents of the report submitted by the Chief Executive updating Committee in relation to Government proposals to address spiking of drinks.

There are no reports from representatives on outside bodies

There were no reports from representatives on outside bodies.

There are no items under this heading

There were no items under this heading.