Item 6 – Application for Grant of Taxi Licence - Amer Hajali
West Dunbartonshire Council · 7 October 2026
Back to Licensing Committee — 7 October 2026 and its agenda
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 7 October 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 Amer Hajali, Flat 3/1, 4 Trafalgar Street, Clydebank G81 4EB. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that Members determine the application, taking into account the representation submitted by the Chief Constable of Police Scotland and decide whether to dispense with the requirement for a criminal record check from his country of origin and one other country of residence which the applicant has lived in for more than 6 months. 3. Background 3.1 Mr Hajali submitted an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence to the Council on 13 July 2026. 3.2 A letter was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 3 September 2026 submitting a representation in connection with the application. 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:- “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.”
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3.7 This policy makes sure that all applicants, irrespective of their country of origin, are subject to a similar level of scrutiny regarding any criminal history they might have. 4. Main Issues 4.1 In view of the issue surrounding the lack of informatiosubmission received from the Police, the applicant and a representative of the Police authority have been invited to attend the meeting of the Committee to be held on 7 October 2026. 4.2 In terms of the relevant legislation, a representation with respect to an application should be submitted within 28 days of receipt of the application. As Mr.Hajali's application was received on 13 July 2026, any representation should have been submitted by 10 August 2026. There is, however, provision in the legislation for the Licensing Authority to entertain a late representation which has been received before a final decision has been made if the Licensing Authority is satisfied that there is sufficient reason why the representation had not been submitted in the time required. In this instance the reason for the late submission from the Chief Constable on 3 September 2026 was due to an internal administrative error as the application was not forwarded to Police Scotland for consultation until 26 August 2026. 4.3 Mr Hajali was born outside the United Kingdom however, he now resides here. 4.4 Since leaving Syria, Mr Hajali advises that he has also been resident for more than 6 months in Lebanon. 4.5 Mr Hajali 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 or Lebanon. Mr Hajali 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. Hajali resided in Syria and Lebanon so to allow Mr Hajali’s application to be considered. 4.7 If the Committee determine to grant a dispensation to the foregoing policy in these particular circumstances, Mr Hajali’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 7 September 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 Amer Hajali, Flat 3/1, 4 Trafalgar Street, Clydebank G81 4EB. 2. Letter to Mr Hajali dated 16 September 2026. Wards Affected: N/A.