Document Pack - Licensing Board - 2 September 2025
West Dunbartonshire Council · 2 September 2025
Back to Licensing Board — 2 September 2025 and its agenda
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West Dunbartonshire Licensing Board Alan Douglas, Clerk to the Licensing Board Council Offices, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton G82 1QL Telephone 01389 737800 Email: alan.douglas@west-dunbarton.gov.uk 19 August 2025 MEETING OF WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE LICENSING BOARD:- TUESDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 2025 Notice is hereby given that a Meeting of West Dunbartonshire Licensing Board will be held at 10.00 a.m. on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. The Convener has directed that the meeting will be held as an in-person meeting only in the Council Chambers, Clydebank Town Hall, Clydebank G81 2NR. The business is shown on the attached agenda. I shall be obliged if you will advise committee.admin@west-dunbarton.gov.uk if you are unable to attend the meeting. Yours faithfully ALAN DOUGLAS Clerk to the Licensing Board Page 1
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Distribution:- Provost Karen Murray Conaghan Councillor Fiona Hennebry Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal Councillor John Millar (Chair) Councillor Lawrence O’Neill Councillor Chris Pollock Councillor Hazel Sorrell Councillor Sophie Traynor All other Councillors for information Chief Executive Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration Date Issued: 19 August 2025 Page 2
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LICENSING BOARD – TUESDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 2025 AGENDA 1 APOLOGIES 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Members are invited to declare if they have an interest in any of the items of business on this agenda and the reasons for such declarations. 3 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 5 - 7 Submit for approval, as a correct record, the Minutes of meeting for Licensing Board held on 17 June 2025. 4 9 - 32 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE Submit for consideration, an application for Grant of Premises Licence for Passenger Vehicle “Avocet” Docked at Sweeney’s Boatyard Riverside Balloch G83 8SS. 5 WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE LICENSING REPORT 2024-2025 Submit for consideration, the West Dunbartonshire Licensing Report for 2024- 2025 submitted by Chief Constable, Police Scotland. _______________________________________________________________ Page 3 33 - 41
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE LICENSING BOARD At a Meeting of West Dunbartonshire Licensing Board held in the Civic Space, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton, on Tuesday, 17 June 2025 at 10:03 a.m. Present: Councillors Gurpreet Singh Johal, Fiona Hennebry, John Millar and Chris Pollock. Attending: Michael McDougall, Depute Clerk to the Licensing Board; Lawrence Knighton, Licensing Standards Officer; Carolann Anderson, Licensing Assistant and Lynn Straker, Committee Officer. Also Attending: Sergeant David Holmes, Police Scotland; Mr Niall Hassard, Solicitor and Ms Shona Doey, representative for Asda Express Application; Mr Chris Grunert, Solicitor and Ms Tracy Stenson, representative for Premier Inn Application and Mr David Bain. Apologies: Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Provost Karen Murray Conaghan and Councillors Hazel Sorrell and Sophie Traynor. Councillor John Millar in the Chair DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST It was noted that there were no declarations of interest in any of the items of business on the agenda at this point in the meeting. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The Minutes of the Licensing Board meeting held on Tuesday, 13 May 2025 were submitted and approved as a correct record. APPLICATION FOR PROVISIONAL PREMISES LICENCE An application was submitted for consideration for Provisional Premises Licences for Asda Express PFS Lomondgate, Lomondgate Drive, Dumbarton G82 3BN. Item 3 Page 5
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Members first heard the Depute Clerk to the Licensing Board in introduction to the application and then from the Licensing Sergeant, Police Scotland who noted they had no objections to the application. Members then heard from the Licensing Standards Officer recommending conditions to be attached if the application were to be granted. Members lastly heard from Mr Niall Hassard, Solicitor in support of the application. After discussion and having heard the Solicitor and the Applicant in further explanation of the application and in answer to Members’ questions, Members agreed to grant the Licence subject to the conditions as detailed in the Licensing Standards Officer report. DECIDED:- Members agreed to grant the Licence subject to the conditions as detailed in the Licensing Standards Officer report. APPLICATION FOR PROVISIONAL PREMISES LICENCE An application was submitted for consideration for Provisional Premises Licence for Premier Inn, Lomondgate Drive, Dumbarton G82 2QU. Members first heard the Depute Clerk to the Licensing Board in introduction to the Licence application and then from the Licensing Sergeant, Police Scotland who noted they had no objections to the application. Members then heard from the Licensing Standards Officer suggesting conditions if the application were to be granted. Members lastly heard from Mr Chris Grunert, Solicitor in support of the application. After discussion and having heard the Solicitor and the representative in further explanation of the application and in answer to Members’ questions, Members agreed to grant the Licence subject to the conditions as detailed in the Licensing Standards Officer report noting Mr Grunert’s undertaking on behalf of his clients that the premises licence relating to the Malt and Myre would be surrendered on applying for the confirmation of this provisional premises licence. DECIDED:- Members agreed to grant the Licence subject to the conditions as detailed in the Licensing Standards Officer report noting Mr Grunert’s undertaking on behalf of his clients that the premises licence relating to the Malt and Myre would be surrendered on applying for the confirmation of this provisional premises licence. Page 6
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REVIEW OF A PERSONAL LICENCE A report was submitted regarding a review of a Personal Licence held by Mr David Bain. Members first heard from Depute Clerk to the Licensing Board in introduction to the report and then from the Licensing Sergeant, Police Scotland who detailed the circumstances they say are inconsistent with the licensing objectives. Members then heard from the Personal Licence holder in detail of the objection and why they felt they were still a fit and proper person to hold the Personal Licence. ADJOURNMENT Councillor Millar, Chair, adjourned the meeting for a short recess. The meeting reconvened at 11.25 a.m. with all Members listed in the sederunt present. After further discussion and having heard the Personal Licence holder in further explanation of review and in answer to Members’ questions, Members agreed to take no action at this time. DECIDED:- Members agreed to take no action at this time. LICENSING BOARD FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2024/25 A report was submitted allowing the Licensing Board to consider its Annual Financial Report in relation to the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. After discussion and having heard the Depute Clerk to the Licensing Board in further explanation of the report and in answer to Members’ questions, the Board agreed to note the terms of the Financial Report for 2024/25. LICENSING BOARD ANNUAL FUNCTIONS REPORT 2024/25 A report was submitted allowing the Licensing Board to consider its Annual Functions Report in relation to the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. After discussion and having heard the Depute Clerk to the Licensing Board in further explanation of the report and in answer to Members’ questions, the Board agreed to note the terms of the Functions Report for 2024/25. The meeting closed at 11.26 a.m. Page 7
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THE LICENSING (SCOTLAND) ACT 2005 Application for Grant of Premises Licence Premises Licence Reference : WDLBPREM/0323. Name and Address of Premises: Passenger Vehicle “Avocet” Docked at Sweeney’s Boatyard Riverside Balloch G83 8SS. Applicant/Licence Holder: Andrew Hunter, on behalf of Sweeney’s (A Partnership). Type of Premises: On Sales. Proposed Application: The premises comprise of a motorised passenger vessel called Avocet. The boat is 26.7metres long and 7 metres wide. The boat consists of two passenger decks, with passenger seating on the main and upper deck areas. Staff only areas, such as engine room and steering gear room, are located on the under deck. The boat has 3 toilets, including one accessible toilet. The boat will service cruises and other trips operated by the applicant. There is a bar counter on the main deck for provision of on sales drinks (alcohol and non-alcohol), light snack and (for private charter) a buffet service. Recorded commentary for sightseeing cruises will be played, and light background music. A private charter may feature live music.. Police Authority Comments: No Police objection. Licensing Standards Comments: Please see attached report. Fire Authority Comments: No objections. Regulatory Services Comments: No comments received. Community Council Comments: No active Community Council. Item 4 Page 9
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Health Board Comments: No comments received. Access Panel: No comments received Additional Comments: Not applicable. Section 50 Certificates: Not required. Decision: Page 10
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West Dunbartonshire Licensing Board APPLICATION FOR PREMISES LICENCE/PROVISIONAL PREMISES LICENCE* *Delete as appropriate Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, section 20 APPLICANT INFORMATION Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, section 20(1) Question 1 Name, address and postcode of premises to be licensed. Passenger Motor Vessel “Avocet” Docked at Sweeney’s Boatyard, Riverside, Balloch, G83 8SS Question 2 Particulars of applicant 2(a) Where applicant is an individual, provide full name, date and place of birth, and home address including postcode. 2(b) Where applicant is a partnership, please provide full name, and postal address of partnership. Sweeney’s Cruises (a partnership), Page 11
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2(c) Where applicant is a company, please provide name, registered office and company registration number. 2(d) Where the applicant is a club or other body, please provide full name, and postal address of club or other body. 2(e) Where applicant is a partnership, company, club or other body, please provide the names, dates and places of birth, and home addresses of connected persons.* John Dickson Sweeney, Catherine Mary Sweeney, * Connected person is defined in section 147(3) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Question 3 Page 12
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Previous applications 3 Has the applicant been refused a premises licence under section 23 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 in respect of the same premises? YES/NO* If YES – provide full details Question 4 Previous convictions 4 Has the applicant or any connected person ever been convicted of a relevant or foreign offence (1) YES/NO* *If YES – provide full details For the purpose of this Act, a conviction for a relevant offence or foreign offence is to be disregarded if it is spent for the purpose of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 Name & position (if applicable) Date of conviction or sentence Court Offence Penalty (1) In addition to any convictions held by the applicant at the time of application, applicants should also familiarise themselves with the contents of section 24(1) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 in respect of any convictions for relevant or foreign offences which they may receive during the period beginning with the making of the premises licence application and ending with determination of the application. Page 13
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DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, section 20(2)(a) Question 5 5 Description of premises (where application is submitted by a members’ club, please also complete question 6) The premises comprise of a motorised passenger vessel called Avocet. The boat is 26.7metres long and 7 metres wide. The boat consists of two passenger decks, with passenger seating on the main and upper deck areas. Staff only areas, such as engine room and steering gear room, are located on the under deck. The boat has 3 toilets, including one accessible toilet. The boat will service cruises and other trips operated by the applicant. There is a bar counter on the main deck for provision of on sales drinks (alcohol and non-alcohol), light snack and (for private charter) a buffet service. Recorded commentary for sightseeing cruises will be played, and light background music. A private charter may feature live music. Question 6 6 To be completed by members’ clubs only Do the club’s constitution and rules conform to the requirements of regulation 2 of the Licensing (Clubs) (Scotland) Regulations 2007? N/A * Delete as appropriate DECLARATION BY APPLICANT OR AGENT ON BEHALF OF APPLICANT If signing on behalf of the applicant please state in what capacity. The contents of this Application are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Signature * (see note below) Date 14/05/2025 Capacity Solicitor APPLICANT/AGENT (delete as appropriate) Telephone number and email address of signatory solicitor Page 14
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I have enclosed the relevant documents with this application – please tick the relevant boxes Operating plan √ Layout plan √ Planning certificate Building standards certificate Food hygiene certificate * Data Protection Act 1998 The information on this form may be held on an electronic public register which may be available to members of the public on request. Contact Us: West Dunbartonshire Licensing Board Council Offices 16 Church Street Dumbarton G82 1QL Phone: 01389 738741 Email: licensing@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Page 15
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For use by the Licensing Board only Application checklist Date received Fee amount Receipt number Received by (INITIALS) Consideration date Last date for consideration Date of initial hearing Date of any modification hearing Date granted/refused (delete as appropriate) For use by the Licensing Board only If application is for a premises licence Documents required Operating plan Layout plan Planning certificate Building standards certificate Food hygiene certificate For use by the Licensing Board only If application is for a provisional premises licence Documents required Provisional planning certificate Operating plan Layout plan Page 17
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OPERATING PLAN Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, section 20(2)(b)(i) Question 1 STATEMENT REGARDING ALCOHOL BEING SOLD ON PREMISES/OFF PREMISES OR BOTH 1(a) Will alcohol be sold for consumption solely ON the premises? YES 1(b) Will alcohol be sold for consumption solely OFF the premises? NO 1(c) Will alcohol be sold for consumption both ON and OFF the premises? NO *Delete as appropriate Question 2 STATEMENT OF CORE TIMES WHEN ALCOHOL WILL BE SOLD FOR CONSUMPTION ON PREMISES Day ON Consumption Opening time Terminal hour Monday 9.00 am * 11.00 pm ** Tuesday 9.00 am * 11.00 pm ** Wednesday 9.00 am * 11.00 pm ** Thursday 9.00 am * 11.00 pm ** Friday 9.00 am * 11.00 pm ** Saturday 9.00 am * 11.00 pm ** Sunday 9.00 am * 11.00 pm ** * Between the hours of 9.00am and 10.00am, alcohol will only be sold on the premises during a pre- booked private charter. The licence holder will notice the Council’s Licensing Standards Officer and Police Scotland’s Licensing Department in advance of such charters. ** The boat is subject to a sailing limitation of 1 hour after sunset each day, so sailing hours will vary during the calendar year. The on sale bar on the boat will close 10 mins prior to docking. Page 18
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Question 3 STATEMENT OF CORE TIMES WHEN ALCOHOL WILL BE SOLD FOR CONSUMPTION OFF PREMISES Day OFF Consumption Opening time Terminal hour Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Question 4 SEASONAL VARIATIONS Does the applicant intend to operate according to seasonal demand YES *If YES – provide details The boat is subject to a sailing limitation of 1 hour after sunset each day, so sailing hours will vary during the calendar year. The use of the boat will vary by season demand, since it will primarily be used for tourist cruising / trips on Loch Lomond. Page 19
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Question 5 PLEASE INDICATE THE OTHER ACTIVITIES OR SERVICES THAT WILL BE PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES IN ADDITION TO SUPPLY OF ALCOHOL COL. 1 5(a) Activity COL. 2 Please confirm YES/NO COL. 3 To be provided during core licensed hours – please confirm YES/NO COL. 4 Where activities are also to be provided outwith core licensed hours please confirm YES/NO Accommodation NO N/A N/A Conference facilities NO NO NO Restaurant facilities NO NO NO Bar meals NO NO NO 5(b) Activity Social functions including: Please confirm YES/NO To be provided during core licensed hours – please confirm YES/NO Where activities are also to be provided outwith core licensed hours please confirm YES/NO Receptions including Weddings, funerals, birthdays, retirements etc. YES YES YES Club or other group meetings etc. YES YES YES 5(c) Activity Entertainment including: Please confirm YES/NO To be provided during core licensed hours – please confirm YES/NO Where activities are also to be provided outwith core licensed hours please confirm YES/NO Recorded music – see 5(g) YES YES YES Live performances – see 5(g) YES YES YES Dance facilities NO NO NO Theatre NO NO NO Page 20
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Films NO NO NO Gaming NO NO NO Indoor/outdoor sports NO NO NO Televised sport NO NO NO 5(d) Activity Please confirm YES/NO To be provided during core licensed hours – please confirm YES/NO Where activities are also to be provided outwith core licensed hours please confirm YES/NO Outdoor drinking facilities YES YES YES 5(e) Activity Please confirm YES/NO To be provided during core licensed hours – please confirm YES/NO Where activities are also to be provided outwith core licensed hours please confirm YES/NO Adult entertainment NO NO NO Where you have answered YES in respect of any entry in column 4 above, please provide further details below. The boat may sail from 9.00am each day, and prior to the commencement of on sales hours, the operators may offer a provision of hot and cold non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks (where not being used as a private charter). Recorded music at a background level may play before licensed hours and after closure of the bar, until disembarking is completed. Where there is a private charter of the boat, the activities may include a buffet (pre-prepared by caterers) and feature live music or a live speaker during the event. These may extend out with licensed hours but subject always to the sailing hours restriction. Outdoor drinking facilities relates to the upper deck where hot and cold non-alcoholic drinks may be taken prior to core hours. 5(f) any other activities If you propose to provide any activities other than those listed in 5(a) – (e) please provide details or further information in the box below. Provision of light snacks and/or buffet Page 21
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5(g) Late night premises opening after 1.00am Where you have confirmed that you are providing live or recorded music, will the decibel level exceed 85dB? N/A When fully occupied, are there likely to be more customers standing than seated? N/A *Delete as appropriate Question 6 (On-sales only) CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS 6(a) When alcohol is being sold for consumption on the premises will children or young persons be allowed entry YES *Delete as appropriate 6(b) Where the answer to 6(a) is YES provide statement of the TERMS under which they will be allowed entry Children and young persons will be entitled to access all public parts of the boat, provided that they are accompanied by an adult. Page 22
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6(c) Provide statement regarding the AGES of children or young persons to be allowed entry 0-17 years 6(d) Provide statement regarding the TIMES during which children and young persons will be allowed entry All operating hours 6(e) Provide statement regarding the PARTS of the premises to which children and young persons will be allowed entry All public areas Question 7 CAPACITY OF PREMISES What is the proposed capacity of the premises to which this application relates? 160 passengers Question 8 PREMISES MANAGER (NOTE: not required where application is for grant of provisional premises licence) Personal details 8(a) Name Craig Sweeney Page 23
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8(b) Date of birth 8(c) Contact address 8(d) Email address 8(e) Personal licence Date of issue Name of Licensing Board issuing Reference no. of personal licence West Dunbartonshire WD/1411 DECLARATION BY APPLICANT OR AGENT ON BEHALF OF APPLICANT If signing on behalf of the applicant please state in what capacity. The contents of this operating plan are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Signatur * (see note below) Date 14/05/2025 Capacity Solicitor APPLICANT/AGENT (delete as appropriate) Telephone number and email address of signatory * Data Protection Act 1998 The information on this form may be held on an electronic public register which may be available to members of the public on request. solicitor Page 24
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Contact Us: West Dunbartonshire Licensing Board Council Offices 16 Church Street Dumbarton G82 1QL Phone: 01389 738741 Email: licensing@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Page 25
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Disabled Access and Facilities Statement Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, Section 20(2)(b)(iia) The Premises Licence (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2018 No. 49 Question 1 - Disabled Access and Facilities 1(a) Is there disabled access to the premises? Yes 1(b) Do you have facilities for those with a disability? Yes 1(c) Do you have any other provisions available to aid the use of the premises by disabled people? Yes *delete as appropriate Question 2 - Disabled access, to, from and within the premises Please provide clear and detailed description of how accessible the premises are for disabled people, e.g. ramps, accessible floors, signage. The main deck area is wheelchair accessible and access ramps to the boat can be used to assist customers. The boat can, however, only accommodate non-electric wheelchairs due to the applicants’ Domestic Safety Management agreement with the Maritime Coastguard Agency. Question 3 - Facilities available. Please describe in detail the facilities provided for disabled people, e.g. disabled toilets, lifts, accessible tables. The main deck area is wheelchair accessible and there is an accessible toilet located on the main deck. Question 4 - Other provisions Please provide details of any other provisions made to aid the use of the premises by disabled people, e.g. assistance dogs welcome, large print menus. Page 26
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Assistance dogs are welcome on the boat to assist their owners There is disabled parking very close to the embarkation point of the boat. This is technically a staff car park, but the operators permit disabled badge vehicles to use this area. DECLARATION BY APPLICANT OR AGENT ON BEHALF OF APPLICANT If signing on behalf of the applicant please state in what capacity. The contents of this Disabled Access and Facilities Statement are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Signature * (see note below) Name in BLOCK CAPITALS Andrew Hunter Date 14/05/2025 Telephone number 07884 112175 Email address Andrew.hunter@harpermacleod.co.uk Capacity (delete as appropriate) AGENT * Data Protection Act 1998 The information on this form may be held on an electronic public register which may be available to members of the public on request. Page 27
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Licensing Standards Officers Report LICENSING (SCOTLAND) ACT 2005 OCCASIONAL LICENCE APPLICATIONS PREMISES: WDLPREM323 Sweeney’s Cruises, Boatyard, Riverside, Balloch, G83 8SS PREMISES LICENCE HOLDER: Sweeney’s Cruises, Boatyard, Riverside, Balloch, G83 8SS These applications relate to an application for a Premises Licence for Motor Vessel “Avocet”. The applicant has requested a 9am commencement hour and therefore these applications may be contrary to the Licensing Board’s Statement of Licensing Policy; specifically Paragraph 32.2 relating to on sales hours which states; 32.2 For applications relating to premises licences where the consumption of alcohol is a main activity and significant entertainment facilities throughout the licensing hours are not provided (on-sale hours), subject to paragraph 32.4, the Licensing Board considers that the commencement of the sale of alcohol shall ordinarily be no earlier than 11 a.m and no later than 12 midnight Sunday to Thursday and 1a.m. Friday and Saturday other than when an occasional extension is in place, and in accordance with paragraph 34 of this policy. The Licensing Board will recognise the importance of tourism in certain locations within the Licensing Board’s area and other determining factors such as the location of the licensed premises and may allow exceptions to this general rule. In accordance with the Licensing Board’s Statement of Licensing Policy the Licensing Standards Officer recommends that for the purposes of the licensing objective of protecting children and young persons from harm, that the conditions narrated in the Board's policy at Appendix 1, Part A – Children and Young Persons Access (see undernote) are applied. Licensing Standards Officer Date: 18 August 2025 Contact : Lawrence Knighton, Licensing Standards Officer, Regulatory and Regeneration Services, Council Offices, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton. G81 1TG. E-mail : lawrence.knighton@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Page 31
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UNDERNOTE – details of conditions Children and Young Persons Access The holder of the premises licence must make sure that:- 1. Children are supervised at all times by an appropriate adult while on the licensed premises. 2. Children and Young Persons will only be permitted in to licensed premises where the primary purpose of allowing them access is to consume a meal or attend a private pre-booked function [or insert reason]. 3. No gaming and/or amusements with prizes machines are to be located in the part or parts of the licensed premises where children and young people are permitted. 4. In the case of events which are to be held exclusively for children, or children and young persons, such as a discotheque, adequate supervision and stewarding arrangements should be in place in relation to children attending the event. 5. Where televisions or video machines are intended to be used in areas where children are permitted, the programmes or video films must be of a type suitable for family and children’s viewing. 6. Toilets should be of a suitable type and standard for children. 7. When meals are sold within licensed premises, a children’s menu shall be available or the menu should clearly state that children portions are available. This would not be satisfied by the provision of for example soft drinks and snacks but would require to be of the plated food variety in addition to any form of sandwiches etc, which may be available. 8. Electrical sockets within the part of parts of the premises to which children have access should, when not in use, have plug caps thereon. 9. Where open fires or electrical or gas fires or radiators are within part or parts of the premises to which children have access, it is expected that such fires and radiators etc. will be securely guarded Page 32
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OFFICIAL NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page | 1 OFFICIAL West Dunbartonshire Licensing Report 2024-2025 Item 5 Page 33
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OFFICIAL NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page | 2 OFFICIAL Foreword It gives me great pleasure to provide the Annual Licensing Report for 2024/25, in accordance with Section 12(A) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Throughout the last year I have been committed to improving confidence amongst our communities by working in partnership with a focus on prevention, early intervention and proactivity. This supports our broader 2030 vision of safer communities, less crime, supported victims and a thriving work force. In respect of Licensing, I recognise that success can only be achieved in collaboration with the 32 local authorities across Scotland. Along with contribution from many other associated national and local partners, this collaborative working ensures support for the licensed trade while also preventing alcohol fuelled violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour. Our joint campaigns which aim to protect children and young persons from harm will continue. In the year ahead, our approach will remain focused on prevention and collaboration to ensure high standards of service delivery. I will continue to encourage officers and staff to engage with licensed premises and take relevant and proportionate action where appropriate to ensure licensing standards are maintained in the interest of the safety of the people of Scotland. I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank our local partnerships for their contribution to maintaining high standards and driving improvement where necessary within the Licensed Trade for the benefit of the communities we all serve. Chief Constable Jo Farrell Page 34
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OFFICIAL NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page | 3 OFFICIAL Police Scotland Licensing Overview – The Violence Prevention and Licensing Co-ordination Unit (VPLCU) sits within the National Policing Together Division and have staff based across the force. The department has overall responsibility for determining and delivering national licensing strategy and policy, providing advice, guidance and support to divisional licensing teams and undertaking other specialist functions. The VPLCU is a specialist department which consists of a small team of officers. The officers within the unit work with divisional licensing teams and partner agencies to help shape policy and strategy around the police licensing function. They provide advice to police licensing practitioners, operational officers, supervisors and policing commanders. The VPLCU seek to ensure that legislation governing the sale and supply of alcohol is applied consistently across the country and all opportunities are taken to stop the illegal or irresponsible sale, supply or consumption of alcohol with the intention of preventing and reducing crime and disorder. During 2024/2025, from a licensing perspective, our particular focus was on the following; • Scrutiny of the serious incidents of violence, disorder and antisocial behaviour linked to licensed premises. • Delivering and promoting campaigns which seek to address issues arising from the consumption of alcohol, particularly in relation to young persons and in the context of the night-time economy. • Governance and ongoing development of the National ICT Licensing System, known as “Inn Keeper”, to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of liquor and civic licensing administration and management. Police Scotland continue to work on upgrading the National ICT system to ensure compliance with GDPR legislation. Each of the 13 Local Policing Divisions have a licensing team responsible for the day to day management of licensing administration, complying with statutory requirements as well as addressing any issues that may arise within licensed premises in their local area. Page 35
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OFFICIAL NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page | 4 OFFICIAL LICENSING BOARD AREA The Licensing Board area is policed by Argyll & West Dunbartonshire ‘L’ Division. Chief Superintendent Gary I’Anson is the Local Police Commander who has the responsibility for all day-to-day policing functions. The Local Area Commander for West Dunbartonshire is Chief Inspector Simon Shanks, who is based at Dumbarton Police Station. Local Policing Priorities Following our public consultation process, the policing priorities for Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Division, as set out in our Local Policing Plan are as follows; • Acquisitive Crime • Public Protection • Road Safety and Road Crime • Serious Organised Crime • Violence and anti-social behaviour Description of Board Area West Dunbartonshire includes the towns of Clydebank, Dumbarton and Alexandria and has a population of just over 89,000 people. It covers an area of around 98 square miles with residential and business communities that stretch along the banks of the Clyde to the shores of Loch Lomond. West Dunbartonshire contains approximately 224 licensed premises within the Board Area, which are concentrated in the built-up areas of the respective towns. There are numerous tourist attractions in the area including Dumbarton Castle and Balloch Castle Country Park, which receive a high concentration of visitors to the area, especially during the summer months. Uniformed Policing in the Board Area consists of response officers based at Dumbarton Police Station who are responsible for the day-to-day policing presence in our communities and are the first point of contact for much of our frontline response. All officers are provided with specialised support from the Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Divisional Licensing Team, working together to create strong and positive relationships with both residential and business premises, with the aim of creating a safer environment for people to live and work. To compliment response officers, West Dunbartonshire has a dedicated Community Policing Team who are embedded in our communities and address local issues at a local level. Page 36
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OFFICIAL NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page | 5 OFFICIAL In addition to both, our Community Engagement Team (CET) provide specialist support to the Division in respect of crime prevention, safer communities and architectural liaison work. The CET prioritises the Divert and Deter strands of the Serious Organised Crime Strategy and oversees local imbedding of the UK’s Counter Terrorism Strategy known as Contest. Further to this, the CET leads equality and diversity matters and oversees hate crime investigations within the division. Specialist departments within the division include the Criminal Investigation Department and the Public Protection Unit, responsible for the investigation of serious crime, sexual related crime and domestic abuse. Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Division is also supported by a number of national functions including Specialist Crime Division, Operational Support Division and Partnerships, Prevention and Community Wellbeing Division. We are also supported by our Contact, Command and Control Division who provide frontline advice, support and assistance to the public. Their highly skilled staff and officers provide 24-hour support to resolve enquiries, prioritise/task incidents and supply our frontline officers with operationally critical information OPERATION OF THE LICENSING (SCOTLAND) ACT 2005 The Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Divisional Licensing Team provides guidance and support to Local Policing in relation to the sale and supply of alcohol within our communities, ensuring licensed premises operate in accordance with liquor licensing legislation and promote responsible trading aligned with the Licensing Objectives of said Act, namely: • Preventing Crime and Disorder • Securing Public Safety • Preventing Public Nuisance • Protecting and Improving Public Health • Protecting Children and Young Persons from Harm All crimes, incidents and inspections of licensed premises are recorded by officers on the Police Scotland “Innkeeper” system. This system provides a means for licensing staff to review the operation of licensed premises, making sure they are supported where necessary in respect of identified issues/trends, thus ensuring best practice. Whilst the majority of licensed premises do operate in accordance with the legislation stipulated within the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, it is imperative that any irresponsible and illegal sale of alcohol is tackled robustly by the Police. Page 37
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OFFICIAL NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page | 6 OFFICIAL We have a range of options to assist us with these identified issues. These options form a staged but flexible response, from simply engaging with and advising the staff at licensed premises at the lower end of the scale, to grading premises as being ‘Problematic’ and requesting a review of a premise licence by the Licensing Board in relation to more serious matters. It should be noted there has been no premises licence reviews within the reporting period within West Dunbartonshire. During the period of this report, there was over 282 inspections recorded on Innkeeper by Police Scotland officers at licensed premises within the Board Area and 119 incidents attended. These can range from assaults, persons refusing to quit licensed premises, disorderly conduct and acquisitive crime. The Licensing Team are also responsible for processing all applications sent from West Dunbartonshire Council Regulatory Services on behalf of the Chief Constable, as a statutory consultee. All applications are thoroughly examined to ensure they are fit and proper and conform to the Licensing Boards Policy and/or objectives. In the reporting period 2024/2025, the Licensing Team have processed the following applications in West Dunbartonshire per Innkeeper: Occasional Licences 370 Personal Licences 111 Premises Licences 4 Variation to Licence Request 11 The Licensing Team also collaborate with a variety of partner agencies, including Licensing Standards Officers, Environmental Health Officers and Trading Standards, ensuring licensed premises are running safe and legitimate businesses. Working together ensures that the Licensing Objectives are met in conjunction with local and national policing priorities, providing a safe environment for residents and visitors to the area. The Local Authority Licensing Standards Officers and Licensing Sergeant work together to resolve issues at the earliest possible stage. This can range from interventions at licensed premises or working collaboratively with premises by providing education/best practice, to improve working practices and deter criminality, in line with the Licensing Objectives. Page 38
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OFFICIAL NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page | 7 OFFICIAL PREVENTING THE SALE OR SUPPLY OF ALCOHOL TO CHILDREN OR YOUNG PEOPLE The unlawful sale and supply of alcohol to young people not only affects their health and wellbeing but leads to other associated risks including becoming involved in violence, being placed in vulnerable or dangerous situations, and participation in anti- social behaviour. Protecting children and young persons from harm is one of the five licensing objectives. Sections 102 – 109 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 are offences specifically related to children and young persons. In terms of section 102 – the sale of alcohol to a child or young person, the premises licence holder has vicarious liability (subject to a due diligence defence) in relation to these offences. The Act defines a child as a person under the age of 16 years, and a young person as a person aged 16 or 17 years old. A collaborative approach continues to be undertaken to address concerns and deter such offences within West Dunbartonshire, involving partners from Health, Education and the Local Authority. One such initiative was Operation Ballaton, a multi-agency partnership approach to reduce the impact of anti-social behaviour, alcohol consumption and promotion of water safety within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. These environs had seen a large increase in young person’s attendance, especially during favourable weather. This resulted in numerous offences being detected, seizures of alcohol from young persons and referrals being made to partner agencies to further support/educate them in respect of the dangers connected to alcohol abuse. The national ‘It’ll cost you” campaign was also supported within West Dunbartonshire, helping to raise awareness that proxy purchasing is a criminal offence. Officers worked with both licensed premises and the community to target areas of concern, thus disrupting and reducing such occurrences. Police Scotland Youth Engagement Officers also work closely with schools and youth organisations to educate and support young people regarding the significant risks associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse. This includes the Choices for Life Programme which tackles several key areas which affect young people, to further reduce harm and break the cycle of substance abuse. Page 39
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OFFICIAL NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page | 8 OFFICIAL TACKLING SERIOUS AND ORGANISED CRIME Serious and Organised Crime Groups pose a risk within the West Dunbartonshire area, in respect of public safety and community wellbeing. Serious and Organised Crime encompasses a vast array of criminality, and its members may use licensing to seemingly legitimise their incomes, providing a plausible source of revenue whist acting as a cover for illegal activities. The Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Divisional Licensing Team, in conjunction with both Divisional and National Intervention Departments, continue to robustly ensure checks are carried out in relation to all relevant applications. Particular attention is paid to those which may be of interest to Organised Crime Groups, to reduce opportunities for these groups to infiltrate legitimate businesses within the board area. Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Division also fully engages with Scotland’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy aiming to Divert, Deter, Detect and Disrupt serious and organised crime and the harm it causes. Serious and Organised Crime is not just about drugs but is also linked to Human Trafficking, Cyber Crime and Sexual Exploitation. We continue to work with licence holders in relation to the dangers around substance misuse that can be found within premises. Where issues are identified, these are highlighted to the licence holders and/or responsible persons, with advice and guidance provided to assist in addressing said issues. Where inadequate action is taken, premises and individual licence holders will be reported to the Licensing Board. Our Policing Teams and Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Licensing Department regularly engage with the local community and staff within licensed premises ensuring that there is a comprehensive intelligence picture in relation to serious and organised criminal activity. The Licensing Department share information with the relevant departments, working to prevent persons involved in this type of activity access to the licensing trade. PROPOSED ACTIVITY FOR THE YEAR AHEAD During the next year Police Scotland will continue to work in all areas of licensing in line with the Divisional and National Policing Priorities, to ensure that we continue in our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the people and communities of West Dunbartonshire. As outlined, the Divisional Licensing Team have strong working relationships with our partners, and we will continue to build on these in the forthcoming year. We will continue to share information where appropriate and consult other agencies to assist in solving problems or concerns that arise involving licence holders. Page 40
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OFFICIAL NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page | 9 OFFICIAL Police Scotland will continue to monitor all incidents in and around licensed premises and where shortcomings are identified, will provide support in respect of tackling these issues. Divisional Licensing Teams will use interaction, intervention and support prior to requesting a review of a premises licence unless the matter, due to its severity, requires to be presented before the Licensing Board immediately. We will continue to tackle the proxy purchasing of alcohol on behalf of children and young persons through intelligence led policing and community education, endorsing and supporting the national ‘It will cost you” proxy purchase campaign. Intelligence led policing of all licensed premises will continue, responding to the concerns of our communities and taking enforcement action where and when necessary. We will support the licensing trade in their efforts to prevent and deter violence in premises. This will continue to be carried out by tasking visits to premises where violence has been identified as an issue and by ensuring that staff are well prepared for dealing with any such incidents. We will continue to seek exclusion orders for persons convicted of committing acts of violence on licensed premises. Only by working together can we achieve the shared vision of a West Dunbartonshire which has a positive, equitable and inclusive future. CONCLUSION To conclude we would like to thank you for your continued support during what has been a challenging year for all. We have all had to adapt to a new way of working and ever changing circumstances which has been embraced by all. We look forward to a safe and healthy 2025/2026. Page 41