PUBLIC Document Pack - Licensing Committee - 4 June 2025
West Dunbartonshire Council · 4 June 2025
Back to Licensing Committee — 4 June 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Agenda Meeting of the Licensing Committee Date: Wednesday, 4 June 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Time: 14:00 ___________________________________________________________________ Venue: Civic Space, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton G82 1QL ___________________________________________________________________ Contact: Lynn Straker, Committee Officer Email: lynn.straker@west-dunbarton.gov.uk committee.admin@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Dear Member Please attend a Meeting of the Licensing Committee as detailed above. The business is shown on the attached agenda. Yours faithfully PETER HESSETT Chief Executive Page 1
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Distribution: Councillor Ian Dickson Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal (Vice Chair) Councillor Fiona Hennebry Councillor John Millar Councillor Lawrence O’Neill (Chair) Councillor Chris Pollock Councillor Gordon Scanlan Councillor Hazel Sorrell All other Councillors for information. Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration Date Issued: 22 May 2025 Page 2
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MEETING OF LICENSING COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, 4 JUNE 2025 AGENDA 1 APOLOGIES 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Members are invited to declare if they have an interest in any of the undernoted items of business on this agenda and, if so, state the reasons for such declarations. 3 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS 5 - 9 Submit for approval, as a correct record, the Minute of meeting for Licensing Committee held on 16 April 2025. 4 OPEN FORUM The Committee is asked to note that no open forum questions have been submitted by members of the public. 5 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE 11 - 13 CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Sharef Alsaeed-Ahmad. 6 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A LATE HOURS 15 - 19 CATERING LICENCE (continued) Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for the grant of a Late Hours Catering Licence at 468 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank G81 4DN submitted by Rolling Smoke Clyde Limited. 7/ Page 3
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7 APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL OF A WINDOW 21 - 22 CLEANER’S LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for renewal of a Window Cleaner’s Licence submitted by Mr Kyle Proctor. 8 CIVIC GOVERNMENT SCOTLAND ACT 23 - 36 REVIEW OF TAXI FARES AND CHARGES CLYDEBANK TAXI LICENSING ZONE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider a review of the fares and charges applicable to taxis operating within the Clydebank Taxi Licensing Zone. Page 4
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LICENSING COMMITTEE At a Meeting of the Licensing Committee held in the Civic Space, 16, Church Street, Dumbarton on Wednesday, 16 April 2025 at 2.00 p.m. Present: Councillors Gurpreet Singh Johal, John Millar, Lawrence O’Neill, Chris Pollock and Gordon Scanlan. Attending: Michael McDougall, Manager of Legal Services; Robert Mackie, Senior Licensing Officer; Judi Ferguson, Building Standards Officer; Mark Walsh, Environmental Health Officer; Lawrence Knighton, Licensing Standards Officer, Carolann Anderson, Licensing Assistant and Lynn Straker, Committee Officer. Also Attending: Sergeant David Holmes, Police Scotland; Mr Allan Aire; Mr William Harrison; Ms Winnie Woods; Mr Gallagher and Mr Paul Duffie. Apologies: Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors Ian Dickson, Fiona Hennebry and Hazel Sorrell. Councillor Lawrence O’Neill in Chair DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST It was noted that there were no declarations of interest in any of the items of business on the agenda. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS The undernoted Minutes of Meetings of the Licensing Committee were submitted and approved as correct records:- (a) (Ordinary) Licensing Committee held on 19 February 2025; and (b) (Special) Licensing Committee held on 10 March 2025. OPEN FORUM The Committee noted that no open forum questions had been submitted by members of the public. Item 3 Page 5
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VARIATION IN ORDER OF BUSINESS After hearing the Chair, Councillor O’Neill, Members agreed to vary the order of business as hereinafter minuted. APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A LATE HOURS CATERING LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting consideration of an application for grant of a Late Hours Catering Licence at 468 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank G81 4DN submitted by Rolling Smoke Clyde Limited. Due to both the applicant and their agent being unable to attend the meeting, Members agreed to a continuation of the hearing of this application to the next meeting of the Committee. DECIDED:- Members agreed to a continuation of the hearing of this application to the next meeting of the Committee. APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TAXI / PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting consideration of an application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Allan Aire. Members first heard from the Manager of Legal Services in introduction to the application and then from Police Scotland detailing their objection to the application. 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, Councillor O’Neill, seconded by Councillor Singh Johal, moved:- That the Committee agrees to refuse the application due to the applicant not being a fit and proper person to hold the Licence. As an amendment, Councillor Millar, seconded by Councillor Pollock, moved:- That the Committee agrees to grant the application. On a vote being taken, 2 Members voted for the amendment and 3 for the motion which was accordingly declared carried. Page 6
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DECIDED:- On a vote being taken, the application was refused due to the applicant not being a fit and proper person to hold the Licence. ADJOURNMENT The Chair adjourned the meeting for a short recess. The meeting reconvened at 2.50 p.m. with all Members listed in the sederunt present with the exception of Councillor Singh Johal. APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting consideration of an application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr William Harrison. Members first heard from the Manager of Legal Services in introduction to the application and then from Police Scotland detailing their objection to the application. Members then heard from Mr Harrison in support of his application. After further discussion and having heard Mr Harrison in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Committee agreed to the grant the Licence. DECIDED:- The Committee agreed that the application be granted. APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A SHORT TERM LET LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting consideration of an application for grant of a Short Term Let Licence for premises at Hidden Horizon Luxury Glamping, 14 West Cochno Holdings, Hardgate, Clydebank G81 6RT submitted by Mrs Winnie Woods, 14 West Cochno Holdings, Hardgate, Clydebank G81 6RT. Members first heard from Manager of Legal Services in introduction to the application and then from Ms Judi Ferguson, Building Services Officer, in detail of the Building Services objection to the application. Members then heard from Ms Winnie Woods in support of her application. After discussion and having heard Ms Woods in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, Members agreed to delegate authority to grant the application to the Chief Officer: Regeneration and Regulatory with the mandatory and local conditions or to grant Page 7
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the application with the mandatory and local conditions with an additional condition prohibiting the premises being used as a short-term let should the outstanding matters not be resolved to the satisfaction of said Chief Officer.. DECIDED:- Members agreed to delegate authority to grant the application to the Chief Officer: Regeneration and Regulatory with the mandatory and local conditions or to grant the application with the mandatory and local conditions with an additional condition prohibiting the premises being used as a short-term let should the outstanding matters not be resolved to the satisfaction of said Chief Officer. PROPOSED CHANGE TO TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE CAR LICENCE CONDITION A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an amendment to an existing condition applicable to both taxis and private hire car licences relating to vehicle insurance which would clarify that the day-to-day manager can be the holder of the insurance policy. Having heard the Manager of Legal Services in further explanation, Members agreed to the amendment in the condition. DECIDED:- Members agreed to the amendment to the existing condition relating to vehicle insurance. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC The Committee agreed to approve the following resolution to exclude the press and public from the meeting to allow the following item to be heard:- “That under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1973 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it may involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.” APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting consideration of an application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence. Members first heard from the Manager of Legal Services in introduction to the application and then from Mr Harrison in support of their application. After further discussion and having heard the applicant in further explanation and in answer to Page 8
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Members’ questions, the Committee agreed that the application be granted. DECIDED:- The Committee agreed that the application be granted. REQUEST TO OPERATE A NON-WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE IN THE CLYDEBANK ZONE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting consideration of a request from a taxi operator to use a vehicle as a taxi within the Clydebank zone which has not been adapted for wheelchair accessibility. After discussion and having heard the Manager of Legal Services and the applicant’s representative in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Committee agreed to authorise the taxi operator to use a vehicle as a taxi within the Clydebank zone which has not been adapted for wheelchair accessibility. DECIDED:- Members agreed to authorise the applicant to operate a vehicle as a taxi within the Clydebank zone which has not been adapted for wheelchair accessibility. The meeting closed at 3.30 p.m. Page 9
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 4 June 2025 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 Sharef Alsaeed-Ahmad, Flat 1/2 50 Vaila Street, Glasgow. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the application be considered and determined by the Committee. 3. Background 3.1 Mr Alsaeed-Amhad submitted an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence to the Council on 14 March 2025. 3.2 An email was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 21 March 2025 advising that there no adverse comments in connection with the application. 4. Main Issues 4.1 When an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence is submitted, the applicant is required to answer the question ‘Have you been resident outwith the UK for any period of at least 6 months?’. In response to this question Mr Alsaeed-Ahmad respond ‘No’. Further enquiries with Mr. Alsaeed- Ahmad resulted in him advising that he had been resident in the UK since 2012 having previously resided in Syria. 4.2 Where an applicant has resided in another country for more than 6 months we require a statement from the embassy of the country they have resided in to confirm that the applicant has no convictions for the period that they were resident there. 4.3 Enquiries have found that the Syrian Embassy in London has been out of service since 2012. Mr Alsaeed-Ahmad made contact with the Syrian Embassy in France and has been advised that the issuing of documents has been suspended since January 2025. 4.4 In the absence of any documentation from the Syrian Embassy there is no way of ensuring that Mr. Alsaeed-Ahmad has no convictions during his time residing Item 5 Page 11
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in Syria other than his self declaration. 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. Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Date 15 May 2025 Person to Contact: Robert Mackie, Senior Officer (Licensing Section), Licensing Team, Municipal Buildings, College Street, Dumbarton, G82 1NR. Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738741 robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: N/A. Background Papers: Page 12
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1. Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Sharef Alsaeed-Ahmad, Flat 1/2 50 Vaila Street, Glasgow. 2. Letter to Mr Sharef Alsaeed-Ahmad dated 16 May 2025. Wards Affected: N/A. Page 13
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 4 June 2025 Subject: Application for grant of a Late Hours Catering Licence 1. Purpose 1.1 To consider an application for the grant of a Late Hours Catering Licence submitted by Rolling Smoke Clyde Ltd., which names Mr. Waleed Totakhyl, Flat 1/1 2038 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow G14 0HH as sole director, to operate from the premises at 468 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank G81 4DN. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the application be considered and determined by the Committee. 3. Background 3.1 Rolling Smoke Clyde Ltd. submitted a valid application for grant of a Late Hours Catering Licence to the Council on 17 September 2024. 3.2 An email was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 3 December 2024 advising that the Police had no objections or representations in connection with the application. 3.3 A memo was received from an officer from the Council’s Environmental Health Team on 13 February 2025 submitting an objection in connection with the application. A further memo dated 28 March 2025 was received updating the Environmental Health position in regard to their objection. 3.4 A Late Hours Catering Licence was issued to MGE GLA Ltd. for the premises at 468 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank G81 4DN on 6 December 2022 with an expiry date of 5 December 2025. The director of the Licence holding company submitted an email dated 17 September 2024 surrendering the licence. 3.5 The hours operated by the previous licence holder operating from the premises were:- Monday to Thursday 11 pm - 12.30 am Friday and Saturday 11 pm – 1.30 am Sunday 11pm – 12.30 am 3.6 At the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 16 April 2025, Members agreed to the request from the applicant to continue the matter to the next meeting as they were unable to attend. Item 6 Page 15
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4. Main Issues 4.1 The operating hours requested by Mr. Waleed Totakhyl are:- Monday to Thursday 11 pm - 1 am Friday to Sunday 11 pm – 2.30 am The applicant describes the premises as a fast-food takeaway selling burgers, peri-peri chicken and desserts. Mr. Waleed Totakhyl is also named on the application form as the day-to-day manager. 4.2 On 11 December 2024 Mr. Waleed Totakhyl submitted the Certificate of Compliance confirming that a notice had been posted at or near to the premises. It was noted however that the Certificate of Compliance had not been completed. In the accompanying email the applicant stated that the hours being sought were different to that stated in the original application. 4.3 On 28 January 2025 the applicant advised that he wished to apply for the hours requested on the original application and the Certificate of Compliance was received on 30 January 2025. 4.4 In recent years, applications for late hours catering licences have been granted by the Committee subject to the operating hours being restricted to co-relate to the closing hours of the nearest licensed premises, i.e. the late hours catering premises being allowed to operate until 30 minutes after the closing time of the nearest public house or nightclub. The nearest licensed premises in relation to 468 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank G81 4DN are detailed below in order of proximity. It should be noted that the nearest licensed premises to 468 Dumbarton Road becomes Club Mango (trading as Tempo) once the 6 public houses listed below, close for business. Tempo is approximately 0.6 miles from 468 Dumbarton Road. The Cabin Inn, 474 Dumbarton Road Sunday to Thursday – 11 am to 12 Midnight and Friday and Saturday – 11 am to 1 am The Park Bar, 421/423 Dumbarton Road Sunday to Thursday – 11 am to 12 Midnight and Friday and Saturday – 11 am to 1 am The Horse and Barge, 688 Dumbarton Road Sunday to Thursday – 11 am to 12 Midnight and Friday and Saturday – 11 am to 1 am Mackintosh’s Bar, 2/4 Swindon Street Page 16
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Monday to Thursday – 11 am to 12 Midnight Friday and Saturday – 11 am to 1 am the following day Sunday – 12.30 pm to 12 Midnight Sixty Ate Bar and Grill, 68 Dumbarton Road Sunday to Thursday – 11 am to 12 Midnight and Friday and Saturday – 11 am to 1 am Club Mango T/A Tempo, 68 Dumbarton Road Monday to Wednesday - 11 am to 1 am Thursday to Saturday - 12 am to 3 am Sunday – 12.30 am to 3 am Mountblow Bar T/A Bernie’s, 832 Dumbarton Road Monday to Thursday – 11 am to 12 midnight Friday and Saturday – 11 am to 1 am the following day Sunday – 12.30 pm to 12 midnight 4.5 It should be noted that given the hours requested by the applicant i.e. Monday to Thursday 11 pm - 1 am Friday to Sunday 11 pm – 2.30 am Only Club Mango T/A Tempo remains open up to and beyond the 30 minute closing period of the nearest licensed premises with their hours being Monday to Wednesday - 11 am to 1 am Thursday to Saturday - 12 am to 3 am Sunday – 12.30 am to 3 am 4.6 On 17 September 2024 it was noted that an Environmental Health Officer had visited the premises however as the premises were undergoing a refit at the time, no inspection could be carried out. The applicant had been asked to contact Environmental Health to arrange for an inspection once the premises were ready however Licensing were notified on 8 October 2024 that the applicant had not made contact with Environmental Health to arrange an inspection. 4.7 Following an inspection carried out by Environmental Health on 6 February 2025 an objection was received. A further inspection was carried out 25 March 2025 which provided an update on the Environmental Health objection as some matters had been resolved. 4.8 When considering the objection submitted by Environmental Health, in terms of the relevant legislation, an objection with respect to an application should be Page 17
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submitted within 28 days of receipt of the application. As the application from Rolling Smoke Clyde Ltd. was received on 17 September 2024, any objection should have been submitted by 15 October 2024. There is, however, provision in the legislation for the Licensing Authority to entertain a late objection which has been received before a final decision has been made. The Licensing Authority must be satisfied that there is sufficient reason why the objection had not been submitted in the time required having heard from the applicant and the Environmental Health representative. 4.9 The Environmental Health service advise that the objection is late as:- "The objection has been submitted after the statutory 28-day period from the date the application was lodged because there were ongoing issues with refuse at the premises from 08 October 2024 to 03 February 2025. Complaints were received on 31 January and 03 February 2025 indicating that there is an issue with the newly fitted ventilation system at the premises." 4.10 In view of the submission received from Environmental Health, the applicant and a representative of the Environmental Health Service have been invited to attend the meeting of the Committee to be held on 4 June 2025 where they can update Members on the ongoing issue. 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. Page 18
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Chief Officer - Regulatory & Regeneration Date - 16 May 2025 Person to Contact Robert Mackie, Senior Officer (Licensing Section), Licensing Team, Municipal Buildings College Street Dumbarton G82 1NR. Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738741 robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: N/A Background Papers: 1. Application for grant of a Late Hours Catering Licence submitted by Rolling Smoke Clyde Ltd. 2. Letter to Mr. Waleed Totakhyl dated 19 May 2025. Wards Affected: Clydebank Waterfront. Page 19
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 4 June 2025 Subject: Application for renewal of a Window Cleaner’s Licence 1. Purpose 1.1 To consider an application for the renewal of a Window Cleaner’s Licence submitted by Mr Kyle Proctor, 49 Strathleven Drive, Bonhill, Alexandria G83 9PG. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the application be considered and determined by the Committee. 3. Background 3.1 Mr Proctor submitted an application for the renewal of a Window Cleaner’s Licence to the Council on 21 March 2025. 3.2 A letter was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 26 March 2025 submitting a representation in connection with the application. 4. Main Issues 4.1 In view of the submission received from the Police, the applicant and a representative of Police Scotland has been invited to attend the meeting of the Committee to be held on 4 June 2025. 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 Item 7 Page 21
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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 14 May 2025 Person to Contact: Robert Mackie, Senior Officer (Licensing Section), Licensing Team, Municipal Buildings, College Street, Dumbarton, G82 1NR. Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738741 robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: N/A. Background Papers: 1. Application for renewal of a Window Cleaner’s Licence submitted by Mr Kyle Proctor, 49 Strathleven Drive, Bonhill, Alexandria G83 9PG. 2. Letter dated 21 March 2025 from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland, 'L' Divisional Headquarters, Stirling Road, Dumbarton. 3. Letter to Mr Proctor dated 16 May 2025. Wards Affected: N/A. Page 22
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 4 June 2025 Subject: Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 Review of Taxi Fares and Charges Clydebank Taxi Licensing Zone 1. Purpose 1.1 To report to the Committee on the review of fares and charges applicable to taxis operating within the Clydebank Taxi Licensing Zone. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended:- (a) that the proposed changes to the current level of fares and charges applicable to the Clydebank Taxi Licensing Zone, submitted by both the Clydebank Taxi Operators Group (CTOG) and the Clydebank and District Taxi Owners Association Radio Systems Ltd., (CBTOARS) be considered and a fare chart agreed. (b) that officers arrange for the advertisement of the fares and charges agreed by the Committee and review any representations received; and (c) that authority be delegated to the Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration, in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing Committee, to conclude the review without the requirement for the Committee to consider a further report on the matter provided no representations are received in relation to the proposal. 3. Background 3.1 In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act, 1982, Licensing Authorities must fix scales for taxi fares and related charges within 18 months from the date on which the scales came into effect. 3.2 The fares and charges which are applicable to taxis operating within the Clydebank Taxi Licensing Zone have been in effect since 30 May 2024 and these are detailed at Appendix 1. 3.3 At the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 19 February 2025, a new procedure was agreed in terms of who should be consulted when carrying out Item 8 Page 23
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fare reviews. Those to be consulted are any person or organisation already recognised as being representative of the operators of taxis by the Licensing Committee and any person or organisation that can demonstrate they are representative of at least 10% of all taxi licence holders within the relevant zone. 3.4 When considering who to consult within the Clydebank Taxi zone, a letter inviting a proposal for a new fare chart was issued to CTOG being the recognised trade representative group. A further letter was sent to CBTOARS as the holder of more than 10% of the plates issued in the Clydebank zone. 3.5 On 9 May 2025 a submission was received from CBTOARS, proposing amendments to the existing fare chart as follows:- Increase the flagfall on Tariff 1 by 50p from £3.80 to £4.30 Increase the flagfall on Tariff 2 by 70p from £4.30 to £5.00 Increase the flagfall on Tariff 3 by £1.50 from £5.50 to £7.00 Increase the running mile on Tariff 1 from £2.00 to £2.20 Increase the running mile on Tariff 2 from £2.20 to £2.50 Increase the running mile on Tariff 3 from £2.50 to £3.00 During the period when Tariff 3 applies; between Noon on 24th December until Midnight on 26th December and between Noon on 31st December until Midnight on 2nd January, amend the Extra Charges applicable from 50p between 9.00pm and 6.00am to £1.00 between 6.00pm and 6.00am Waiting time to remain the same Increase the charge payable for a taxi booking made by telephone or via App and not cancelled before arrival when the taxi is no longer required from £3.80 to £5.00 3.6 On 12 May 2025 a submission was received from CTOG, proposing amendments to the existing fare chart as follows:- Increase the flagfall on Tariff 1 by 50p from £3.80 to £4.30 Increase the flagfall on Tariff 2 by 50p from £4.30 to £4.80 Increase the flagfall on Tariff 3 by 50p from £5.50 to £6.00 Increase the running mile on Tariff 3 from £2.50 to £2.80 Change the times when Tariff 1 is applicable from 6.00am until 9.00pm to 6.00am until 8.00pm Change the times when Tariff 2 is applicable from 9.00pm until 6.00am to 8.00pm until 6.00am Change the period when Tariff 3 applies from between Noon on 24 December until Midnight on 26 December and between Noon on 31 December until Page 24
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Midnight on 2 January to 6.00am on 24 December until 6.00am on 27 December and between 6.00am on 31 December until 6.00am on 3 January Waiting time to remain at 10p for every 20 seconds During the proposed period when Tariff 3 applies; between 6.00am on 24 December until 6.00am on 27 December and between 6.00am on 31 December until 6.00am on 3 January, amend the Extra Charges applicable from 50p between 9.00pm and 6.00am to 50p between 8.00pm and 6.00am Increase the charge payable for a taxi booking made by telephone or via App and not cancelled before arrival when the taxi is no longer required from £3.80 to £4.30 4. Main Issues 4.1 Having contacted CBTOARS to request the submission of a proposal for consideration by the Committee, a letter was submitted on 9 May 2025. Although not exhaustive, the letter refers to increases in fees, operating costs, wages, insurance, fuel and new vehicle costs as justification for the proposed rise in the fares. A copy of the letter can be seen at Appendix 2. 4.2 Similarly, having contacted CTOG to request the submission of a proposal for consideration by the Committee, an email was sent on 12 May 2025. The email refers to their view that the taxi trade was still in decline as a direct result of the pandemic and cited rising licensing fees, higher fuel costs, higher insurance premiums and increasing costs for parts and labour as on-going concerns affecting the trade. The proposed increase to the fares were submitted on this basis. A copy of the email can be seen at Appendix 3. 4.3 Licensing can advise that, having referred to the RAC website, which provides an average cost of fuel on a monthly basis for the UK, it shows that the most up to date figures for the average cost of unleaded fuel was 133.0p per litre and 139.3p per litre for diesel. At the time when the last fare chart became effective in May 2024, the average cost of fuel in the UK was 148.1p for unleaded petrol and 154.1p for diesel. This represents a decrease of 10.2% for unleaded fuel and 9.6% for diesel based on the difference in price when comparing the figures between May 2024 and May 2025. 4.4 The last fare review resulted in the implementation of an updated fare chart for the Clydebank zone effective from May 2024, the effect of which saw the following being implemented:- increase on the flagfall on Tariff One by 50p increase on the flagfall on Tariff Two by 50p; increase on the flagfall on Tariff Three by 70p; Page 25
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increase on the running mile by 10p on Tariff One; increase on the running mile by 20p on Tariff Two; increase on the running mile by 30p on Tariff Three; increase to the period for waiting time from 10p for each 30 seconds (£12.00 per hour) to 10p for each 20 seconds (£18.00 per hour); a change to the period of time when Tariff 2 is applicable from 6.00 pm until Midnight on 24 December and 31 January to 6.00 am until Noon on 24 December and 31 January; a change to the period of time when Tariff 3 is applicable from Midnight on 24 December and 31 January to Noon on 24 December and 31 January; an increase to the amount where extra charges will apply for a taxi called by telephone or via App and not cancelled before arrival from £3.30 to £3.80; a change to the wording from ‘Taxi drivers may add on any charge incurred at Glasgow Airport when either dropping off or picking up passengers’ to ‘Taxi drivers may add on any charge incurred at any Airport or car park when either dropping off or picking up passengers’. 4.5 Representatives from both CBTOARS and CTOG have been invited to attend the Committee in order that they can speak to their submission and answer any questions Members may have. 4.6 Referring to 2.1 (c) of this report, should no representations be received in relation to the proposals, in order to expedite matters, it is suggested that authority be delegated to the Chief Officer - Regulatory and Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing Committee to conclude the review without the requirement for the Committee to consider a further report. 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no personnel issues for the Council arising from this report. 6. Financial Implications 6.1 There are no financial implications for the Council arising from this report. 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 Page 26
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change to policies or services or financial decisions. 9. Consultation 9.1 The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 sets out how the licensing authority should engage with the trade and public in relation to the setting of taxi fares. The process on how the Licensing Team carry out consultation for fare reviews was agreed at the meeting of the Licensing Committee on 19 February 2025 and this process has been followed in this fare review. Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration Date 14 May 2025 Person to Contact: Robert Mackie, Senior Officer (Licensing Services), Licensing Team, Municipal Buildings, College Street, Dumbarton, G82 1NR. Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738741. robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices 1. Current Fare Chart for Clydebank Licensing Zone. 2. Letter received from Clydebank and District Taxi Owners Association Radio Systems Ltd. 3. Email received from Clydebank Taxi Operators Group. Background Papers 1. Letter to Clydebank and District Taxi Owners Association Radio Systems Ltd. dated 7 April 2025. 2. Letter to Clydebank Taxi Operators Group dated 7 April 2025. 3. Letter to Clydebank and District Taxi Owners Association Radio Systems Ltd. dated 16 May 2025. 4. Letter to Clydebank Taxi Operators Group dated 16 May 2025. Page 27
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Plate No._____ Vehicle Registration Number ________________ Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 Fare Chart (Effective from 30 May 2024) CLYDEBANK ZONE Tariff One For a distance not exceeding 6.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. daily 5/11ths OF A MILE…………………….… £3.80 For each additional 1/20th OF A MILE…....£0.10 Tariff Two For a distance not exceeding 9.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. daily 5/11ths OF A MILE……………………….. £4.30 6.00 a.m. to Noon on For each additional 1/22nd OF A MILE…...£0.10 24th December and 31st December Tariff Three For a distance not exceeding Noon on 24th December to 5/11ths OF A MILE………………...…….. £5.50 Midnight on 26th December and For each additional 1/25th OF A MILE.…..£0.10 Noon on 31st December to Midnight on 2nd January Between 9.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. a 50p extra charge applies Any hire terminating outwith the Clydebank zone of the West Dunbartonshire area will be at a rate to be agreed at the time of hire. Fares for Waiting The driver is, in addition to the above, entitled to charge for waiting whether in one stoppage or in several stoppages as follows: For each period of TWENTY SECONDS or part thereof……….....£0.10 Extra Charges A charge of £3.80 shall be payable for a taxi called by telephone or via App and not cancelled before arrival. An additional charge of 10p shall be payable for each passenger beyond two. Taxi drivers may add on any charge incurred at any Airport or car park when either dropping off or picking up passengers. Drivers must make passengers aware in advance that an extra charge may be added to the fare. Soiling Fee A maximum fee of £100.00 is chargeable for any soiling which necessitates a taxi being removed from service for cleaning. Soiling in this context includes any soiling by means of food, drink, vomit, urine or excrement. Item 8 Appendix 1 Page 29
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Item 8 Appendix 2 Page 31
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Email from Kenny McSheaffrey, Secretary, Clydebank Taxi Operators Group Clydebank Taxi Operators Group called a members meeting on 07.05.2025. We met at Clydebank Community Sports Hub at 7.00pm. Our meeting was publicised 7 days in advance of the meeting date, in accordance with our constitution. Non-members were welcome on the night. Our meeting focused on a possible fare tariff change. We discussed all aspects of our current fare chart in depth and heard the views of all of our members present. Members debated fully what the implications of any increase could have on our trade. Members had highlighted that our trade was still in decline as a direct result of the pandemic. They had sighted rising licensing fee, higher fuel costs, higher insurance premiums and increasing costs for parts and labour as on-going concerns affecting our trade. The majority of members voted by show of hands for the need for a increase in tariff. Tariff 1 Increase 50 pence in the flag fall from £3.80 up to £4.30. No increase in the running mile. Change of time from 6.00am / 8.00pm. Tariff 2 Increase 50 pence in the flag fall from £4.30 up to £4.80. No increase in the running mile. Change of time from 8.00pm / 6.00am. Tariff 3 Increase 50 pence in the flag fall from £5.50 up to £6.00. 30 pence increase in the running mile from £2.50 up to £2.80. Change of time from 6.00am on 24 December to 6.00am on 27 December. Change of time from 6.00am on 31 December to 6.00am on 3 January. Between 9.00pm and 6.00am a 50 pence extra charge applies. No change to the current waiting time, extra passengers charge or soiling fee from current chart. Item 8 Appendix 3 Page 35
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We heard various proposals for increase and each new tariff was proposed and seconded on the night. Once we had 2 proposals left on the table for each tariff the members voted by a show of hands and the majority carried as the wishes of our members. All proposals put forward to your office reflect the motions passed by our members on the night and we ask that these proposals come before the licensing committee at the earliest opportunity. Regards Kenny McSheaffrey Secretary Clydebank Taxi Operators Group Page 36