Item 5 - Grant of Taxi Licence - Allan Aire
West Dunbartonshire Council · 22 April 2026
Back to Licensing Committee — 22 April 2026 and its agenda
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 22 April 2026 Subject: Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence 1. Purpose 1.1 To consider an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Allan Aire, Shalimar, Dalmonach Road, Bonhill, Alexandria G83 9AG. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the application be considered and determined by the Committee. 3. Background 3.1 Mr Aire submitted an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence to the Council on 4 February 2025. 3.2 A letter was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 24 February 2025 submitting an objection in connection with the application. 3.3 On 23 October 2023 Mr. Aire applied for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence. A letter of objection was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland which resulted in the application being referred to the meeting of Licensing Committee held on 6 December 2023 for determination. 3.4 At the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 6 December 2023 Members decided to refuse the application on the grounds that the applicant was not a fit and proper person to hold a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence. 3.5 At a meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 16 April 2025, Members considered the application from Mr. Aire. Members firstly heard from the Police representative who narrated the objection which had been received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland who considered Mr. Aire as being not a fit and proper person to hold a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence. 3.6 Members then heard from Mr Aire in support of his application. After further discussion and having heard Mr Aire in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, Members agreed on a split vote of 3:2 to refuse the application on the grounds that Mr. Aire was not a fit and proper person to hold the licence. ITEM 5
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3.7 Following the decision taken by the Committee on 16 April 2025, Mr. Aire submitted an appeal to the Sheriff and a request for a statement of reasons was subsequently requested. 3.8 The appeal was heard on 23 March 2026 and on 26 March 2026, the Sheriff issued his judgement and upheld the appeal made by Mr. Aire. The judgement states that the application made by Mr. Aire for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's licence, submitted on 4 February 2025, should be reconsidered by the Committee. 4. Main Issues 4.1 The Sheriff's decision to uphold the appeal and require the Committee to reconsider the application states: - ‘The Sheriff, on joint motion, upholds the appeal and remits the matter back to the Licensing Committee to reconsider its decision dated 16 April 2025.’ 4.2 In view of the decision of the Sheriff to uphold the appeal, the applicant and a representative of Police Scotland have been invited to attend the meeting of the Committee to be held on 22 April 2026. 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no personnel issues. 6. Financial Implications 6.1 There are no financial implications 7. Risk Analysis 7.1 There is no increased risk to the Council associated with the contents of this report. 8. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 8.1 No impact assessment is required because this report does not involve any change to policies or services or financial decisions. 9. Consultation 9.1 Police Scotland were consulted in relation to the application. 10. Strategic Assessment 10.1 In terms of the Council's Strategic Priorities, the purpose of licensing is to ensure our Communities are Resilient and Thriving.
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Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Date: 2 April 2026 Person to Contact: Robert Mackie, Senior Officer (Licensing Section), Licensing Team, Municipal Buildings, College Street, Dumbarton, G82 1NR. Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738742. robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: N/A. Background Papers: 1. Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Allan Aire, Shalimar, Dalmonach Road, Bonhill, Alexandria G83 9AG. 2. Letter dated 24 February 2025 from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland, 'L' Divisional Headquarters, Stirling Road, Dumbarton. 3. 4. 5. Statement of Reasons issued 26 September 2025. Sheriff decision dated 26 March 2026. Letter to Mr Aire dated 8 April 2026. Wards Affected: N/A.
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