Agenda Document Pack - Licensing Committee - 18/08/2026
South Lanarkshire Council · 18 August 2026
Back to Licensing Committee — 18 August 2026 and its agenda
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Monday, 10 August 2026 Dear Councillor Licensing Committee The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Committee to be held as follows:- Date: Tuesday, 18 August 2026 Time: 10:00 Venue: Hybrid - Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA The business to be considered at the meeting is listed overleaf. Yours sincerely Paul Manning Chief Executive Members Andy Carmichael (Chair), Maureen Devlin (ex officio), Margaret Cowie, Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Julia Marrs, Catherine McClymont, Kenny McCreary, Mark McGeever, David Shearer, Helen Toner Substitutes Robert Brown, Mary Donnelly, Davie McLachlan, Richard Nelson, Graham Scott 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 23 June 2026 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 5 - 10 3 Minutes of Special Meeting Minutes of the special meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 30 June 2026 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 11 - 14 Item(s) for Noting 4 Civic Licence Applications Determined Under Delegated Authority – April to June 2026 Report dated 23 July 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 15 - 18 Item(s) for Decision 5 Delegation of Decisions under Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) Report dated 9 July 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 19 - 24 Urgent Business 6 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are urgent. Exclusion of Press and Public 7 Exclusion of Press and Public It is recommended that the Committee makes the following resolution:- "That, in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds that it is likely that there will be disclosure of exempt information in terms of Paragraphs 6 and 14 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act." Item(s) for Decision 8 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) - Consideration of Suspension or Revocation of Taxi Driver’s Licence No 112 and Taxi Operator’s Licence No 083 • Exempt information in terms of Paragraph 14 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act 2
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9 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) - Consideration of Suspension or Revocation of Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence No 543 • Exempt information in terms of Paragraph 14 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act 10 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) - Consideration of Suspension or Revocation of Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence No 171 and Private Hire Car Operator’s Licence No 1488 • Exempt information in terms of Paragraph 6 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act 11 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) - Consideration of Request to Lift Suspension of Taxi Driver’s Licence No 319 • Exempt information in terms of Paragraph 6 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Carol Lyon Clerk Telephone: 07385370065 Clerk Email: carol.lyon@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 3
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LICENSING COMMITTEE Minutes of the meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 23 June 2026 Chair: Councillor Andy Carmichael Councillors Present: Councillor Margaret Cowie, Councillor Julia Marrs, Councillor Catherine McClymont, Councillor Kenny McCreary, Councillor Mark McGeever, Councillor David Shearer, Councillor Bert Thomson (Depute), Councillor Helen Toner Councillor’s Apology: Councillor Maureen Devlin (ex officio) Attending: Finance and Corporate Resources C Lyon, Administration Officer; L McCutcheon, Licensing and Registration Assistant; D McLardy, Legal Services’ Adviser; L Steele, Licensing Standards and Development Officer/Assistant Registrar; L Wyllie, Administration Assistant 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 2 June 2026 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Review of Taxi Fares A report dated 14 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted:- on the progress of the statutory taxi fares review in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen, Clydesdale, East Kilbride and Hamilton zones of South Lanarkshire requesting Committee’s approval for the next stage of the review In terms of Section 17 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended by Section 174 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010), there was a requirement for licensing authorities to review and fix taxi fares in their area at intervals not greater than every 18 months. The Council last fixed the taxi fares on 26 September 2025, with the last time each zone increased their fares being as follows:- Cambuslang and Rutherglen zone – 26 September 2025 Clydesdale zone – 4 August 2023 East Kilbride zone– 26 September 2025 Hamilton zone – 27 September 2024 2 5
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The Council, since its inception in 1996, had adopted an approach of fixing taxi fares across 4 zones, being Cambuslang and Rutherglen, Clydesdale, East Kilbride and Hamilton. This approach reflected the different arrangements within predecessor authorities and mirrored the areas used for the 4 Alcohol Licensing Divisions. In the usual way, the initial requirement of the review was for the Council, as Licensing Authority, to consult with persons or organisations appearing to them to be, or be representative of, the operators of taxis within their Council area. All 39 Cambuslang and Rutherglen operators had been written to, with one operator responding advising that they did not want an increase. It was, therefore, proposed that the fares tariff remain at the existing level, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report. All 97 Clydesdale operators had been written to, with responses received from one operator who held 70 licences and one operator who held 9 licences. One operator had requested an increase of 90 pence to the average 2 mile hire and a 3 pence increase to each period of one minute, or part thereof, of waiting time. It was, therefore, proposed that the fares tariff be as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report. An operator had submitted suggestions in relation to the recalibrating of taxi meters, as detailed in Appendix 2a to the report. Another operator had requested no increase. The East Kilbride taxi trade organisation had indicated that they would like an increase in the average 2 mile hire from £7.20 to £7.50, removal of the ‘stoppage at the request of the hirer fee’ and an increase to the ‘called but not charged for fee’ by 70 pence, as detailed at Appendix 3 to the report. All 131 Hamilton operators had been written to, with 8 operators and Hamilton Taxi Operators Association (TOA) responding as follows:- Hamilton TOA and 7 other operators had requested that no changes be made one operator (who held 4 licences) advised they would not be participating in the fares review at this time following the issues faced during the previous review and the lack of support for a fares increase, however, asked the Council to “recognise that the current rates were too low and that drivers deserve to earn a fair living rather than being concerned with the pricing of others” It was proposed that the fares tariff remain at the current level, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report. A request by East Kilbride TOA and Hamilton TOA to change the type of taxi meters used from “clock calendar” to manual control meters, which showed the full fare chargeable when passenger(s) were travelling outwith their licensed zone, had also been received. This was the subject of a separate report on this agenda. An additional fares review consultation would be required should the decision to grant the proposal to the change of taxi meter be made. The usual fares review included all fares set on the tariff, including what fees, if any, were charged for each of the 4 zones for passengers travelling beyond the licensed area. This would be required to allow the proposed taxi meters to calculate the final fare chargeable to the passenger rather than a fare agreed as subject to special agreement in advance with the passenger as was current for 2 of the 4 zones. Consultation with meter manufacturers would be required to establish the options available for this prior to consultation. 6
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The Legal Services’ Adviser explained the implications of the suggestions from an operator in relation to the recalibration of taxi meters following a rate increase, as detailed in Appendix 2a of the report. It was explained that, following an increase, it was normal practice for the Licensing Service to contact all operators to advise of the date and time for their meter to be checked. This process could take several weeks to complete. The request received was for all meter checks to be left until the next programmed 6 monthly or annual inspection was scheduled, meaning that, in some instances, it could be almost 12 months before this would be carried out. Following discussion, Councillor Shearer, seconded by Councillor McClymont, proposed that the current practice of the Licensing Service contacting all operators to advise of the date and time for their meter to be checked should continue, and that the proposals for the increases within the Clydesdale zone, as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report, be accepted with the exception of the increase to the 2 mile hire which should be increased by 50 pence to £6.60, rather than 90 pence to £7.00. Following discussion, this was accepted by all members. The Committee decided: (1) that the statutory taxi fares review procedure for the Cambuslang and Rutherglen and Hamilton zones of South Lanarkshire be further progressed, with the proposal that there would be no increase in the current fares tariffs and the tariffs should remain unchanged, as outlined at Appendix 1; (2) that the statutory taxi fares review procedure for the Clydesdale zone of South Lanarkshire be further progressed, with the proposal that there would be an increase of 50 pence over an average 2 mile hire and 3 pence increase for each period of one minute, or part thereof, for waiting time, as detailed at Appendix 2; (3) that the request from an operator in relation to the recalibration of taxi meters as detailed in Appendix 2a of the report, be refused and that the current practice continue; (4) that the statutory taxi fares review procedure for the East Kilbride zone of South Lanarkshire be further progressed, with the proposal that there would be an increase of 30 pence over an average 2 mile hire, removal of the ‘stoppage at the request of the hirer fee’ and an increase to the ‘called but not charged for fee’ by 70 pence, as detailed at Appendix 3; and (5) that authority be delegated to the Head of Administration and Legal Services to make the necessary arrangements to progress the statutory taxi fares review, with a further report to be submitted to a future meeting of this Committee. [Reference: Minutes of 12 August 2025 (Paragraph 3)] 4 Taxi Meters A report dated 14 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on a request from Hamilton and East Kilbride TOA to change taxi meters from “clock calendar” to manual control meters to show the full fare chargeable when a passenger(s) was travelling outwith their licensed zone. On 7 July 2004, this Committee had agreed that all taxis and private hire cars which currently had meters installed introduce “clock calendar” meters by 1 April 2005. This type of meter automatically calculated the fare on public holidays. The “clock calendar” type meters did not show the additional fee payable when the hire went outwith the licensed zone and this was added manually by the driver. 7
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East Kilbride TOA, Hamilton TOA and several other operators had requested that this be reversed to enable the meter to be manually altered to show the full fare, including the ‘outwith licensed zone’ amount, on the meter as they had advised that issues had arisen with customers querying the amount payable. The current position for additional payments charged by drivers in each licensed zone within South Lanarkshire for hires going outwith that licensed zone were as follows:- beyond the area of Cambuslang and Rutherglen zone – subject to special agreement in advance with the hirer Clydesdale zone – no additional payment on fares tariff beyond the area of East Kilbride zone – might be subject to surcharge of 1/3rd of the normal metered fare beyond the area of Hamilton zone – subject to special agreement in advance with the hirer In terms of Section 17 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), Licensing Authorities must review and fix taxi fares at intervals not greater than 18 months. This was the subject of a separate report on this agenda. An additional fares review consultation would be required should the decision to grant the proposal to the change of taxi meter be made. The usual fares review included all fares set on the tariff, including what fees, if any, were charged for each of the 4 zones for passengers travelling beyond the licensed area, which would be required to allow the proposed taxi meters to calculate the final fare chargeable to the passenger rather than a fare agreed as subject to special agreement in advance with the passenger, as was the current practice for 2 of the 4 zones. Consultation with meter manufacturers would be required to establish the options available for this prior to consultation. Following discussion, members agreed that no consultation should take place and that the taxi meters should not be changed back to manual meters and should remain as the current “clock calendar” meters. The Committee decided: that no consultation should take place and that the taxi meters should remain as the current “clock calendar meters. [Reference: Minutes of 7 July 2004 (Paragraph 5)] 5 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 6 Exclusion of Press and Public The Committee decided: that, in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it was likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information in terms of Paragraphs 6 and 14 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. 8
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7 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) - Application for Grant of Public Entertainment Licence A report dated 20 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on an application for grant of a public entertainment licence in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the applicant who was not present or represented. An objection had been received from Environmental Services. Two late objections had also been received from Environmental Services. The Legal Services’ Adviser intimated that the 2 late objections from Environmental Services had been withdrawn but a late representation had now been received from Environmental Services. The reason for the lateness of the representation was accepted and the information was circulated to members of the Committee. As the applicant was not present, the Legal Services’ Adviser intimated that, due to timescales, the application had to be dealt with today, therefore, the hearing would need to proceed in the applicant’s absence. The Committee decided: that the application by Happy Feet EK Limited and Z Farooq for a public entertainment licence for the Wee Playhouse, Unit 8, Greenhill Shopping Centre, East Kilbride be refused. 8 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) – Consideration of Suspension or Revocation of Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence No 819 A report dated 8 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted proposing that consideration be given to whether private hire car driver’s licence No 819 should be suspended or revoked in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the licence holder who was present and heard in support of retaining his licence. A report had been received from the Council’s Authorised Officer under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended) and G Margiotti, Authorised Officer was heard. The Committee decided that private hire car driver’s licence No 819 in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen zone be not suspended or revoked. In terms of Standing Order No 14, the Chair adjourned the meeting after this item of business at 11.50am. The meeting reconvened at 11.55am 9 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) – Application for Renewal of Taxi Driver’s Licence No 246 A report dated 11 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on an application for the renewal of taxi driver’s licence No 246 in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). 9
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In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the applicant who was present and heard in support of his application. The Committee decided: that the application by M Iga, 7 Kintore Tower, Cambuslang for the renewal of taxi driver’s licence No 246 in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen zone be granted. 10
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LICENSING COMMITTEE Minutes of the special meeting held via Confero and in the Council Chamber, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 30 June 2026 Chair: Councillor Andy Carmichael Councillors Present: Councillor Gladys Ferguson-Miller (substitute for Councillor Julia Marrs), Councillor Catherine McClymont, Councillor Kenny McCreary, Councillor Graham Scott (substitute for Councillor Margaret Cowie), Councillor David Shearer, Councillor Bert Thomson (Depute), Councillor Helen Toner Councillors' Apologies: Councillor Margaret Cowie, Councillor Maureen Devlin (ex officio), Councillor Julia Marrs, Councillor Mark McGeever Attending: Finance and Corporate Resources T Dickie, Licensing and Registration Team Leader; C Lyon, Administration Officer; T McAllister, Licensing and Registration Assistant; D McLardy, Legal Services’ Adviser; L Wyllie, Administration Assistant 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 3 Exclusion of Press and Public The Committee decided: that, in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it was likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information in terms of Paragraphs 6 and 14 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. 4 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) - Application for Grant of Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence A report dated 12 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on an application for a private hire car driver’s licence in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the applicant who was present and heard in support of his application. An objection had been received from Police Scotland and Sergeant Hinshelwood was heard. 3 11
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The Committee decided: that the application by S Khan, 226 Curtis Avenue, Glasgow for a private hire car driver’s licence in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen zone be refused. 5 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) – Application for Renewal of Taxi Driver’s Licence No 263 A report dated 12 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on an application for the renewal of taxi driver’s licence No 263 in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the applicant who was present and heard in support of his application. The Committee decided: that the application by W Johnston, 219R Carlisle Road, Hamilton for the renewal of taxi driver’s licence No 263 in the Hamilton zone be granted. 6 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) - Application for Renewal of Taxi Driver’s Licence No 054 A report dated 12 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on an application for the renewal of taxi driver’s licence No 054 in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the applicant who was present and heard in support of his application. The Committee decided: that the application by A Fawcett, 24 Inzievar Terrace, Carmyle for the renewal of taxi driver’s licence No 054 in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen zone be granted with the inclusion of the additional condition already attached to his licence. In terms of Standing Order No 14, the Chair adjourned the meeting after this item of business at 3.19pm. The meeting reconvened at 3.24pm 7 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) – Application for Renewal of Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence No 148 A report dated 12 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on an application for the renewal of private hire car driver’s licence No 148 in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the applicant who was present and heard in support of his application. The Committee decided: that the application by S Chowdhury, 115 Carlisle Road, Crawford for the renewal of private hire car driver’s licence No 148 in the Hamilton zone be granted. 12
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8 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) – Application for Renewal of Taxi Driver’s Licence No 222 A report dated 12 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on an application for the renewal of taxi driver’s licence No 222 in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the applicant who was present and heard in support of his application. The Committee decided: that the application by A Menghistu, Flat 3/1, 20 Melvaig Place, Glasgow for the renewal of taxi driver’s licence No 222 in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen zone be granted. 9 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) – Consideration of Suspension or Revocation of Private Hire Car Operator’s Licence No 2058 A report dated 11 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted proposing that consideration be given to whether private hire car operator’s licence No 2058 should be suspended or revoked in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the licence holder who was not present or represented. The Committee decided that private hire car operator’s licence No 2058 in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen zone be suspended with immediate effect for the remainder of the period of the licence. 10 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) – Consideration of Suspension or Revocation of Private Hire Car Operator’s Licence No 2471 A report dated 12 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted proposing that consideration be given to whether private hire car operator’s licence No 2471 should be suspended or revoked in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the licence holder who was present and heard in support of retaining his licence. The Committee decided that private hire car operator’s licence No 2471 in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen zone be suspended with immediate effect for the remainder of the period of the licence. 13
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11 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) – Consideration of Suspension or Revocation of Private Hire Car Operator’s Licence No 1236 A report dated 12 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted proposing that consideration be given to whether private hire car operator’s licence No 1236 should be suspended or revoked in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the licence holder who was present and heard in support of retaining his licence. Following discussion, Councillor Carmichael, seconded by Councillor Thomson, moved that the licence be suspended with immediate effect for the remainder of the period of the licence. Councillor McCreary, seconded by Councillor McClymont, moved as an amendment that the licence be suspended with immediate effect for a period of 3 months. On a vote being taken using the electronic voting system, 5 members voted for the motion and 3 for the amendment. The motion was declared carried. The Committee decided that private hire car operator’s licence No 1236 in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen zone be suspended with immediate effect for the remainder of the period of the licence. 12 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) – Consideration of Suspension or Revocation of Private Hire Car Operator’s Licence No 2131 A report dated 12 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted proposing that consideration be given to whether private hire car operator’s licence No 2131 should be suspended or revoked in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the licence holder who was present and heard in support of retaining his licence. The Committee decided that private hire car operator’s licence No 2131 in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen zone be suspended with immediate effect for the remainder of the period of the licence. 14
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Licensing Committee Date of Meeting: 18 August 2026 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Civic Licence Applications Determined Under Delegated Authority – April to June 2026 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- update Members on civic licence applications determined under delegated authority in the period April to June 2026 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the information in this report be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. When applications for grant or renewal of licences under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, (as amended) are received these must be processed within statutory timescales. 3.2. Delegated authority has been given to determine various types of civic licensing applications, through the Council’s Scheme of Delegation, including in respect of the following activities:- Taxi/private hire car licences Street trader licences Public Entertainment licences (including Temporary Public Entertainment licences) Metal Dealer licences Itinerant Metal Dealer licences Second-Hand Car Dealer licences Public Charitable Collections permissions Registration of Societies/Lotteries Late Hours Catering licences Cinemas Act and Theatres Act licensing Tattooing and skin piercing licences 3.3. Given the volume of such applications determined by officers under delegated authority, it is considered helpful to provide a quarterly report to the Committee to give a brief overview of that activity. As the Committee will be aware, the delegated authority is limited, and certain applications still require to come to the Committee for 4 15
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determination, for instance where there are certain objections or there is a representation from Police Scotland, depending upon the nature of the application in question. 3.4. As at 23 July 2026 there were 5,029 licences in operation. 3.5. Details of the public register of applications made and licences issued under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended) and miscellaneous licensing which shows a summary of current licences and applications is available on the Council’s website, via the link below:- Licensing Register 4. Present Position 4.1. Details of new grant and renewal licence applications determined by under delegated authority between April and June 2026 are as detailed at Appendix 1. 4.2. In the quarter which is the subject of this report there have been 321 licences granted, 9 refused and 195 renewed. This compares to 277 licences granted, 13 refused and 501 renewed in the previous quarter. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. None. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. None. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. It is not considered that the subject of this report has any climate change, sustainability or environmental implications. 8. Risk and other Implications 8.1. There are no other implications arising from this report. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. There is no requirement to carry out an impact assessment or consultation in terms of the subject of this report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 23 July 2026 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Previous References Licensing Committee, 28 April 2026 16
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List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Margaret Mary Wilson, Legal Services Manager Ext: 4501 (Tel: 01698 454501) E-mail: margaretmary.wilson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 17
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Appendix 1 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended) Licence applications granted/renewed under delegated powers – April to June 2026 Licence Type Clydesdale East Kilbride Hamilton Cambuslang and Rutherglen Totals Granted Refused Renewed Granted Refused Renewed Granted Refused Renewed Granted Refused Renewed Granted Refused Renewed Booking Office 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Cinema 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Skin Piercing & Tattooing 0 0 2 5 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 2 10 0 4 Itinerant Metal Dealer 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Indoor Sports 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 Metal Dealer 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Late Hours Catering 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 1 Market Operator 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 Public Entertainment 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 0 5 0 4 Temporary Public Entertainment 14 0 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 4 0 0 27 0 0 Second Hand Dealer 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 Short Term Lets 6 0 4 5 0 0 7 0 0 4 0 0 22 0 4 Street Trader 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 1 Window Cleaner 1 0 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 2 Taxi Operator 4 0 8 2 0 4 3 0 9 2 0 1 11 0 22 Taxi Driver 3 0 3 2 0 9 20 1 9 15 1 2 40 2 23 PHC Operator 2 0 2 1 0 7 18 0 25 38 0 37 59 0 71 PHC Driver 1 0 1 3 0 9 12 1 17 24 6 32 40 7 59 Substitute Vehicles 4 0 0 11 0 0 36 0 0 39 0 0 90 0 0 Total All Applications 38 0 22 43 0 33 111 2* 65 129 7* 75 321 9* 195 *Applications refused: 9 applicants – Failed Route Test 18
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Licensing Committee Date: 18 August 2026 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Delegation of Decisions under Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] seek approval that certain identified matters, which would normally go to the Committee for a decision, are delegated to the Head of Administration and Legal Services in consultation with the Chair and/or Depute Chair [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that authority be delegated to the Head of Administration and Legal Services, in consultation with the Chair and/or Depute Chair, to take decisions on certain identified matters, as summarised in paragraph 4.2 and 4.3 of the report, which would normally go to the Committee for a decision, for the period until 30 November 2026. cs] 3. Background 3.1 The Licensing Committee is authorised to exercise all functions in relation to the licensing/regulation of the following activities on behalf of the Council or any other activities relating to licensing in the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended) and any new or subsequent amending legislation:- Indoor Sports Entertainments Itinerant Metal Dealers Late Hours Catering Market Operators Metal Dealers Metal Dealers Exemption Warrants Private Hire Car Drivers Private Hire Cars Public Entertainment Second Hand Car Dealers Second Hand Dealers Short-term lets Street Traders Tattooists and Skin Piercings Taxi Drivers 5 19
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Taxis Window Cleaners 3.2. In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), each application requires to be dealt with on its own merit. 3.3. The Council’s current Scheme of Delegation to Officers – Specific Provisions, determines what decisions can be made by officers under delegated authority and what decisions must be considered by the Committee. 4. Present Position 4.1. The volume of business currently scheduled for consideration by the Committee has increased significantly over the last 2 years and has necessitated the need for a number of additional Committee meetings. In light of this, it would assist the efficient administration of licensing functions and reduce the burden on the Committee if more decisions were able to be taken by officers under delegated authority. 4.2. It is proposed that, until 30 November 2026, decision-making in relation to certain identified matters be delegated to the Head of Administration and Legal Services, in consultation with the Chair and/or Depute Chair, being matters in respect of the licensing of taxi and private hire car drivers and operators, as well as short-term let licensing. The matters suitable for delegation would include, but are not limited to the determination of the following:- applications for the grant or renewal of a licence where irrelevant or minor/non- material representations are received (for example, a historic fixed penalty or minor conviction disclosed in a Police Scotland report) applications for the grant or renewal of a licence where representations are speculative in nature, such as concerns regarding potential future issues in relation to a short-term let licence, without any current substantiated objection or relevant considerations requests to lift a licence suspension where the licence holder was suspended pending the outcome of a criminal charge and the individual has subsequently been found not guilty or the charge has been dismissed requests to lift a licence suspension previously imposed by the Licensing Committee (for instance due to a contravention of licence conditions), where the licence holder did not previously attend the initial suspension hearing when the matter was considered and it is now considered appropriate to either confirm the suspension, lift the suspension, amend the duration of the suspension and/or issue a written warning having regard to all the circumstances and the written reasons put forward by the licence holder An Appendix is attached which details business from 2025 and January to June 2026 that was considered by the Committee but could have been determined under delegated authority, together with scheduled hearings for the period August to December 2026. 4.3. In such cases, the Head of Administration and Legal Services, in consultation with the Chair and/or Depute Chair, would have authority to determine the following matters in respect of the licensing of taxi and private hire car drivers and operators, as well as short- term let licensing:- 20
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grant a licence (including renewals) grant a licence for a shorter duration (including renewals) grant a licence subject to conditions (including renewals) refuse a licence lift a licence suspension or refuse to do so 4.4. Any licence granted under delegated authority would remain subject to review by the Committee, including the potential for suspension should any relevant concerns subsequently arise. 4.5. Subject to the Committee’s decision, a report will be submitted to the Committee in early 2027 on the use of these delegated powers. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. The ability to deal with more matters under delegated authority would assist staff, who would otherwise have to prepare reports to the Committee and support the consideration of those items at Committee, possibly with the associated hearings. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. None. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. No assessment of the impact on the environment has been made as the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended) does not allow us to take this into account when determining this matter. 7.2. There are no apparent implications in terms of sustainability. 8. Risks and Other Implications 8.1. There are no other implications in terms of this request. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. There is no requirement to carry out an impact assessment or consultation in terms of the subject of this report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 9 July 2026 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Previous References None List of Background Papers Scheme of Delegation Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Margaret Mary Wilson, Legal Services Manager Ext: 4501 (Tel: 01698 454501) E-mail: margaretmary.wilson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 21
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Appendix January to June 2026 Identified matters Numbers Licence types Complaints by Licensing Standards Officers 4 Taxi Operators Taxi Drivers Private Hire Car Operators Private Hire Car Drivers Short-term lets Requests to lift suspensions 4 Request by Chair for attendance 1 Immaterial representation from Police Scotland 6 Representation from residents 2 Representation from Licensing Standards Officers 1 August to December 2026 (Scheduled so far) Identified matters Numbers Licence types Complaints by Licensing Standards Officers 1 Taxi Operators Taxi Drivers Private Hire Car Operators Private Hire Car Drivers Short-term lets Requests to lift suspensions 1 Request by Chair for attendance 3 Immaterial representation from Police Scotland 4 Representation from residents 9 22
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Representation from Licensing Standards Officers 0 January to December 2025 Identified matters Numbers Licence types Complaints by Licensing Standards Officers 4 Taxi Operators Taxi Drivers Private Hire Car Operators Private Hire Car Drivers Short-term lets Requests to lift suspensions 2 Request by Chair for attendance 2 Immaterial representation from Police Scotland 15 Representation from residents 1 Representation from Licensing Standards Officers 0 Self declaration by applicant of previous convictions or penalty points on driving licence 4 23
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