Item 6 - Application for Grant of Taxi Car Driver’s Licence - Mohamad Karmach
West Dunbartonshire Council · 3 June 2026
Back to Licensing Committee — 3 June 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 Mohamad Karmach, Flat 4/2, 60 Kingsway Court, Glasgow G14 9SZ. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that Members determine the application while noting the terms of this report and decide whether to dispense with the requirement for a criminal record check from his country of origin and 2 other countries of residence which the applicant has lived in for more than 6 months since leaving his country of origin. 3. Background 3.1 Mr Karmach submitted an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence to the Council on 24 September 2025. 3.2 An email was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 21 October 2025 providing a no objection response. 3.3 The Council regulates the licensing of Taxi and Private Hire Cars and Taxi and Private Hire Cars in terms of sections 10 and 13 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (“the Act”). 3.4 When determining applications the Council is required to make sure that a licence is not granted to a person who is not a “fit and proper” person so to give members of the public confidence that only suitable applicants are granted licences. 3.5 The Council consult with Police Scotland when processing an application for a Taxi and Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence. Police Scotland will have regard to an applicant’s criminal history when determining whether to make a representation or objection to an application. Police Scotland have no access to criminal records outside the UK. 3.6 Having regard to the fact that Police Scotland are unable to comment on an applicants’ criminal history outside the UK, it is the Council’s policy that:- ITEM 6
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“any applicant who was born outside the UK or has been resident outside the UK for 6 months or more must produce documentation in relation to criminal record checks when submitting the application form.” 3.7 This policy makes sure that all applicants, irrespective of their country of origin, are subject to a similar level of scrutiny in regard to their criminal history. 4. Main Issues 4.1 For the purpose of the discharge of their functions under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, the Committee must ordinarily reach a final decision on each application within the period of 9 months from the date the application was submitted. 4.2 The application submitted by Mr. Kamach was received on 25 September 2025 therefore a final decision on the application must be made no later than 24 June 2026. 4.3 Mr Mohamad Karmach was born outside the United Kingdom, however, he now resides here. 4.4 Since leaving Syria, Mr Karmach advises that he has been resident for more than 6 months in Turkey, Croatia and Belgium. 4.5 This application cannot be processed under delegated powers as Mr Karmach has not complied with the Council’s policy as narrated at paragraph 3.6 of this report having not provided a criminal record check from his time living in Syria, Turkey or Croatia. Mr Karmach advises that he has been unable to do so. 4.6 The Committee will need to consider whether to dispense with the forementioned policy in relation to the period where Mr. Karmach resided in Syria, Turkey and Croatia so to allow Mr Karmach’s application to be considered. 4.7 If the Committee determine to grant a dispensation to the foregoing policy in these particular circumstances, Mr Karmach’s application will be subject to the statutory application process. 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no personnel issues. 6. Financial Implications 6.1 There are no financial implications 7. Risk Analysis
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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. Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Date: 12 May 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 Mohamad Karmach, Flat 4/2, 60 Kingsway Court, Glasgow G14 9SZ. 2. Letter to Mr Karmach dated 15 May 2026. Wards Affected: N/A.
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